‘Nicolas Jackson handed Chelsea reprieve despite Joao Pedro developments’
Nicolas Jackson has been handed a reprieve by Enzo Maresca, even though Chelsea are closing in on Brighton star Joao Pedro.
Blues boss Enzo Maresca has already signalled his intent to reshape his forward line with the recent addition of Liam Delap.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are set to sign Pedro, which has led to further questions over Jackson’s chances of remaining a starting striker last term.
During the Club World Cup, Jackson was sent off for a horror challenge against Flamengo, and has not covered himself in glory.
Pedro not seen as an out-and-out striker by Maresca
Delap has already shown that he could be the man to replace Jackson as Chelsea’s regular striker by notching a goal and an assist in three Club World Cup appearances.
Therefore, the increasingly imminent addition of Pedro has led to serious questions surrounding the Senegal international’s future at Stamford Bridge.
However, as reported by The Guardian [June 29]: “Joao Pedro is seen as a better fit than Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix for Maresca’s system.
“Felix is wanted by Benfica and is not part of the Club World Cup squad.
“Nkunku is in the US and scored Chelsea’s second against Benfica on Saturday, but the France international has been out of favour and will be allowed to leave for the right price.”
The Guardian’s report indicates that Maresca views Pedro as a player who can operate as a winger or an attacking midfielder as opposed to a centre-forward.
Therefore, unless the West Londoners set their sights on yet another striker, Jackson should be able to compete for a starting spot with Delap without having to worry about the Brighton man’s presence.
Pedro set for fresh challenge at Chelsea
Although Pedro has sometimes operated as an attacking midfielder, the Brazil international has established himself as a clinical striker in Brighton colours.
| Joao Pedro stats | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 27 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 6 |
Last season, the former Watford man notched 10 goals and seven assists in 30 appearances across all competitions, while in 2023/24 he produced an even better return of 20 goals and three assists in 40 outings while playing predominantly as an out-and-out forward.
But Maresca’s views on the 23-year-old show that Pedro is set for a fresh challenge altogether at Chelsea, as he will have to adapt to a different position at Stamford Bridge.
Making the move to the Champions League outfit from Brighton would already be a significant step in the striker’s career, but he is also now set for a fresh role in West London, which could make it harder for him to adapt to his new surroundings.
However, Pedro’s exploits for the Seagulls prove that he is a talented player who should be able to shine alongside the likes of Cole Palmer.