Moussa Niakhate posts cryptic Nicolas Jackson message after Chelsea controversy
Chelsea are still weighing up Nicolas Jackson’s future as speculation continues over the striker’s future at Stamford Bridge.
Jackson has rapidly fallen out of favour under Enzo Maresca despite spending most of last season as Chelsea’s number-one choice up front, already surplanted by new signings Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.
Pedro and Delap scored four goals between them in Chelsea’s run to Club World Cup success, while Jackson’s most noteworthy contribution to the tournament was a reckless red card against Flamengo.
The 24-year-old’s future is therefore up in the air as the likes of Aston Villa weigh up moves to sign him, and Football Insider have revealed that Unai Emery is a massive fan and wants to reunite with Jackson.
Niakhate tells Jackson to think on his future at Chelsea
Jackson has also been heavily linked with a switch to Manchester United as a potential replacement for Alejandro Garnacho or Rasmus Hojlund, but it’s still unclear if Chelsea will sanction his exit this summer.
Football Insider revealed on 7 July that Chelsea do want to keep Jackson in the fold this summer despite his fall behind Delap and Pedro the pecking order, as he recharges during the Blues’ delayed off-season.
The Senegal international has spent part of his summer back in his home country, and Jackson posted a series of photos on Instagram (22 July) as he took part in training sessions with his friend Abdou King.
Several Chelsea players liked Jackson’s post, while his international team-mate and former Nottingham Forest centre-back Moussa Niakhate left a comment to say: “You have to think!!!”
Nottingham Forest move on the cards for Jackson?
Football Insider Verdict
Man United and Aston Villa are just two of several clubs linked with a move for Jackson this summer, and his fall behind Joao Pedro and Delap in Maresca’s plans has left the striker unhappy at Chelsea.
Forest are yet to be credibly linked with a move for Jackson but have been on the hunt for an alternative to Chris Wood this summer, even after the signing of Igor Jesus in one of several deals with Botafogo.
Jackson’s disciplinary record will count against him and the striker is already banned for the first Premier League game of next season, but the sheer level of interest in him shows that Chelsea still have a very capable frontman on their hands.