Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has chosen to remain non-committal regarding Nicolas Jackson's long-term role at the club as speculation mounts about a potential transfer for the striker. Despite the Senegalese forward’s intention to remain and compete for his place, the club appears open to offers, with Newcastle United monitoring the situation closely.
Maresca gives no Jackson guaranteesNewcastle eye Chelsea striker transferJackson determined to stay and fightFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Having joined from Villarreal for £32 million ($43m) in 2023, Jackson initially showed promise. But with new competition arriving, the 23-year-old now finds himself in a battle to retain his spot in the starting XI.
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Jackson, who netted ten times in the Premier League last season, may not be guaranteed a central role in Chelsea’s new campaign. His future is currently in question, largely due to the club's activity in the summer transfer window, as they have already brought in Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Brazilian starlet Estevao Willian.
WHAT MARESCA SAID
When asked whether Jackson still figures in Chelsea’s long-term vision, Maresca said: "Nico is okay. I think, as I just said, when the transfer window is open – unfortunately, or fortunately – anything can happen. This also involves Nico’s situation. At the moment, we also have had two strikers arrive – Joao and Liam – so we’ll see what happens."
One club keenly watching Jackson’s situation is Newcastle United. The Magpies are still searching for a striker, having missed out on several high-profile targets earlier in the summer. Jackson has reportedly emerged as a serious option, particularly as Alexander Isak looks set to swap St James Park for Anfield.
DID YOU KNOW?
Despite the mounting transfer talk, sources close to Jackson suggest the player has no intention of giving up his Chelsea dream just yet. Determined to prove himself, Jackson is said to be eager to compete for a regular role and earn Maresca’s trust. Despite steep competition for starting berths, the Senegal international believes he can evolve into a consistent presence in Chelsea’s attack.
