Enzo Fernandez, Idrissa Gueye react to Nicolas Jackson amid Chelsea exit rumours
Nicolas Jackson caught the attention of Chelsea, Everton and Aston Villa stars with a new message on social media.
The 23-year-old starred in the Blues’ 2-0 win over LAFC on Monday, 16 June, with goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez helping to seal a precious three points in Group D at the Club World Cup.
Having assisted Neto’s opener at the Mercedes-Benz, he was replaced by new signing Liam Delap after the hour mark, who put the ball on a plate for the second goal of the game.
While Keith Hackett has warned Chelsea over Delap’s disciplinary record, the former Ipswich Town forward made an instant impact and avoided a yellow card despite making two fouls against LAFC.
However, with the arrival of Delap has come rumours of a potential Chelsea exit for Jackson this summer, though the striker is ready to compete for his spot in the starting lineup under Enzo Maresca.
Nicolas Jackson enjoys positive start to Club World Cup
Taking to Instagram (17 June), Jackson shared a series of images from the Blues’ victory over LAFC, gaining likes from Everton’s Idrissa Gueye and Aston Villa’s Ian Maatsen.
Chelsea duo Fernandez and Tosin Adarabioyo also liked the striker’s post-match post.
Enzo Maresca begins striker battle at Chelsea
Football Insider verdict
Maresca has two very talented strikers at his disposal, and the player who will be the most thankful for Delap’s arrival will be Cole Palmer, who now looks likely to stay with Chelsea.
There were concerns over the 23-year-old’s future with Champions League qualification not guaranteed, but with that hurdle overcome, the playmaker appears happy at Stamford Bridge.
It was an incredible campaign for Palmer, boasting another 15 goals and 11 assists despite a huge drop in form, but he could have recorded even better had Jackson put away multiple more chances.
Jackson was known for his missed chances, much like Darwin Nunez at Liverpool, but it was a very impressive season for Delap, who netted 12 goals in his first full season in the top flight.
Maresca will be looking for one of these figures to take charge next season, but with both fighting for a starting spot, it is unclear who will come out victorious ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
With a top-five finish and the Europa Conference League title, it was a very good season for those at Stamford Bridge, but supporters will be expecting much more after the summer transfer window.