Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson responds to Romelu Lukaku amid exit rumours
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has reacted to a post by former Blues player Romelu Lukaka as rumours continue to circulate around his future at Stamford Bridge.
Jackson joined Chelsea in 2023 from Villareal in a £32million deal, but the Senegal international could already be departing this summer.
Manager Enzo Maresca has already signed Ipswich striker Liam Delap and agreed a deal for Brighton’s Joao Pedro, signalling that Jackson does not have a future at the club.
Arsenal have been touted as a shock destination for the 24-year-old as the Gunners are in desperate need of a number nine.
Lukaku post gets Jackson response
Former Chelsea striker Lukaku took to Instagram (2 July) to post a series of pictures of him getting ready for the start of pre-season, which was liked by Jackson.
Lukaku has had two spells at Chelsea, but the striker failed to deliver on the £97.5m that the Blues paid for him to return in 2021.
The 32-year-old has also played for Everton and Manchester United in the Premier League, where he enjoyed his best goal scoring seasons in England.
The Belgium striker is now enjoying his football in Italy where he won the Serie A title with Napoli last season.
Alongside Moises Caicedo, Jackson was among those to like the post.
Jackson requires Chelsea exit route
Football Insider verdict
After scoring just 10 Premier League goals last season, Maresca clearly feels he needs a more ruthless finisher up-front to be able to push for the title.
Salah scored 29 in Liverpool’s title win, and the likes of Manchester City have Erling Haaland to call upon.
| Appearances | 65 |
| Goals | 24 |
| Assists | 10 |
Signing Delap early in the window and having agreed a fee for Pedro, opportunities look limited for Jackson next season.
At 24, Jackson still has the potential to develop into a top European striker with regular game time.
Arsenal and Mikel Arteta are seizing up that opportunity, but much may depend on whether they can get a deal for Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko over the line.
Kai Havertz had an equally unconvincing spell with Chelsea, but has become a trusted striker for Arteta.
Jackson may see that template and believe he could do something similar.
A move abroad or back to Spain may be more beneficial and Jackson will be keen to prove Maresca wrong.