Enzo Maresca’s ambitions for Nicolas Jackson at Chelsea have shifted considerably since declaring he wanted to sign competition for him earlier this summer, with the striker now being instructed to find a new club.
Jackson has long been criticised at Stamford Bridge for failing to score enough goals. He scored 10 goals in the 2024-25 Premier League season, prompting calls for a more consistent No. 9.
The Senegal international scored 17 goals in all competitions in his first season under Mauricio Pochettino in 2023-24, but opinions remain varied, with club icons such as Jon Obi Mikel believing he was not a “top striker.” According Mirror.
And, following the conclusion of last season, Maresca was asked if the lack of competition for Jackson had hampered his growth.
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The Italian stated he wasn’t sure, but Jackson had progressed during his time with the team. “I’m not able to answer now because I don’t know the other part, if a number nine was here,” according to him.
“For sure, with us, in my opinion, he has matured and improved significantly. Is it better for him to have another number nine? I do not know.” When asked if he intended to give greater competition up front, he responded, “100%.”
Maresca did eventually recruit new attackers, including Liam Delap from Ipswich for £30 million and Joao Pedro from Brighton for £60 million, but those arrivals have pushed Jackson to the bottom of the pecking order.
The Chelsea manager revealed that Jackson and Christopher Nkunku had been ordered to find new clubs after falling out of his plans and will not be in his squad to face West Ham on Friday night.
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