Exclusive: Nicolas Jackson ‘unhappy’ at Chelsea as exit decision made
Liam Delap and Joao Pedro’s arrivals at Chelsea have left an unhappy Nicolas Jackson weighing up his future, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about Jackson‘s uncertain prospects at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea returned victorious from the Club World Cup after contrasting performances from their first-team strikers, as Jackson made headlines for all the wrong reasons with his red card against Flamengo.
By contrast, Liam Delap scored in only his second Chelsea start and Joao Pedro netted three times after signing from Brighton during the tournament itself, leaving Jackson as third-choice in the striking ranks.
As a result, sources have told Football Insider that Jackson “is unhappy” with his new status in Enzo Maresca‘s squad, and this could open the door for Chelsea to sell the Senegal international this summer.
Football Insider revealed on 7 July that Chelsea plan to keep hold of Jackson alongside Delap and Pedro this summer, but that position could yet change if suitable offers arrive from the likes of Aston Villa.
Chelsea ‘open to offers’ if ‘unhappy’ Jackson forces move
Sources told Football Insider on 15 July that Aston Villa are stepping up their interest in Jackson amid the uncertainty over his future at Chelsea, but it remains to be seen how the Blues respond to this.
Speaking on the new Inside Track, O’Rourke suggested that the immediate impacts made by Delap and Joao Pedro at Stamford Bridge this summer could eventually lead Jackson to push for a move away.
“Jackson’s future is up in the air at Chelsea right now”, he told Football Insider.
“From being their first-choice striker last season, [Jackson] could find himself as third choice now, and from what I’m told, he is not happy with that situation.
“Chelsea, although they’re saying they don’t want to lose Jackson, maybe could find themselves open to offers for him if a suitable bid is made for the Senegal international.”
Jackson to jump at transfer opportunity amid Chelsea stance
Jackson’s straight red card in the Club World Cup came just moments after coming on for Delap, and the 24-year-old has done himself no favours in his efforts to start ahead of Chelsea’s new number nine.
Any chance of Jackson starting Chelsea’s first game of the new Premier League season is also off the table, after he was banned for a red card following an elbow on Newcastle United’s Sven Botman in May.
Joao Pedro’s arrival leaves Jackson at even greater odds to win back his starting place, and as Villa ramp up their efforts to sign the striker, Chelsea fans will be happy to see the Senegalese head to pastures new.