Nicolas Jackson fell out of favor with Chelsea -Baas Enzo Maresca after being pushed down the pecking order by the arrival of new attackers Joao Pedro and Liam Delap
The plans of Enzo Maresca for Nicolas Jackson in Chelsea have changed dramatically after he claimed that he wanted to sign the competition for him earlier this summer – now told the striker to find a new club.
Jackson has been under fire at Stamford Bridge for a while after criticism that he does not score enough goals. He yielded 10 in the Premier League season 2024-25, which led to calls for a more reliable No. 9.
The Senegal International scored 17 goals in all competitions in his first season under Mauricio Pochettino in 2023-24, but still divided the opinion, with club legends such as Jon Obi Mikel who claims that he was not a “top striker”.
And after the end of last season, Maresca was asked whether Jackson's lack of competition had injured his development.
The Italian said he wasn't sure, but felt that Jackson had improved during his time at the club. “I can't answer now because I don't know the other part, if a number nine was here,” he said.
“Certainly, with us, in my personal opinion, he has grown and improved a lot. Now, if there was another number nine, is it better for him? I don't know.” When asked whether he was planning to offer more competition in advance, he replied: “100 percent”.
Maresca eventually signed new attackers when Liam Delap arrived from Ipswich for £ 30 million and Joao Pedro was signed from Brighton for £ 60 million, but those additions have now pushed Jackson to the back of the pecking order.
The Chelsea boss said that Jackson and Christopher Nunku had both told to find new clubs after they had fallen out of his plans and would not be in his team to be in West Ham on Friday evening.
“[Jackson] Is available, but he is not going to be part of the team, “said Maresca.” As we said, we have two strikers. And we also know that something can happen before the transfer window closes. “
He added: “If they will be here, they will be with us. If not, this means that they have found a solution. I think it is better if they find a solution because they will be happier.”
When they put pressure on whether there were income or expenses in the neighborhood, he said: “No idea to be honest. I prefer to focus on training sessions and prepare for the game. Christo is with us, but it's the same situation as Nico.”
Aston Villa and Newcastle are both strongly connected to the signing of Jackson, with Unai Emery who really wanted to be to sign him as a supplement to Ollie Watkins. Newcastle are now desperately looking for attacking reinforcements that they can get in their hands after a series of public and brutal – transfer snubs.
Chelsea is still looking for attacking players for the team after haunting Deals for Red Bull Leipzigs Xavi Simons – who can play in the front or behind the rush hour – and Manchester United -wing player Alejandro Garnacho.