Gary Neville insists Chelsea star has forced club to change transfer plans

According to Gary Neville, in-form Nicolas Jackson is forcing Chelsea to change their plans to sign a world-class striker.

Jackson, 23, is enjoying a much more productive second season at Stamford Bridge, having endured a difficult first campaign and being panned by critics for his lackluster finishing. But the Senegal international has already scored eight goals in thirteen Premier League games this season and provided three assists.

His latest goal came in the Blues' 3-0 win at home to Aston Villa on Sunday, keeping Enzo Maresca's side third in the table. Chelsea were expected to sign another striker during the January or summer transfer window, but Neville has suggested the plan has now changed.

“Nicolas Jackson, I'm happy for him. I never thought he was the problem. I thought maybe they should sign another striker, but I thought he would be a very good second striker,” said former Manchester United captain Neville in his Sky Sport podcast.

“If you had a number nine like Diego Costa and Jackson was your man to come in, you would think what a good striker he is to come in. He is now pushing to the point where you think 'have we actually need it first?' striker? Could he be that first striker?'

“I had a lot of love for him last year, even though he was erratic and made mistakes. We now see a very handful up there and someone you wouldn't want to play against as a centre-half.

“Chelsea are doing very well, so well done to the manger for bringing that calm to the club because it has been angry and chaotic over the last few seasons. For the first time in a while it feels like it has been done so well for the club.” Maresca and well done to the players.

“The owners will feel a bit calmer at the moment. But I don't feel like they are in the title race, I don't really feel that.”

Ahead of the match against Villa, Chelsea boss Maresca praised Jackson, saying: “He is doing very well for us. Since we started, he has been open to what we ask him to do, and sometimes we demand different things from him.

“He has an open mind and wants to learn and he is doing very well, not only in terms of goals and assists, but also the way he works on the ball. The way he presses, he is always aggressive and we are very pleased.”

The Blues play against Southampton again on Wednesday.