‘Nicolas Jackson stance emerges amid Chelsea exit speculation’
Nicolas Jackson’s view on leaving Chelsea has emerged as the club work on strengthening the striker position this summer.
The forward endured a mixed season with Enzo Maresca‘s side, scoring some important goals but struggling for form and fitness across significant periods of the campaign.
With the club lacking a senior alternative to the Senegal international for much of the season, a new striker is on the agenda at Stamford Bridge this summer.
Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich, and he may not be the only centre-forward they bring in before next season.
Hugo Ekitike links put pressure on Nicolas Jackson
Along with their interest in Delap, Chelsea are also being linked with Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, suggesting they may want more than one new striker this summer.
If that proves to be the case, such a situation could put Jackson a way down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
As a result Jackson could look to leave Chelsea this summer to guarantee himself a first-choice role elsewhere, with the prospect of a second goal-scorer arriving this summer expected to put his status up in the air.
According to a new update from The Mail though, the 23-year-old is said be “happy” with the Blues, and instead ready to compete for his place in Maresca’s side.
It is also noted that Chelsea themselves have so far offered no indication they are planning to sell the striker, who has a contract until the summer of 2033.
Chelsea striker stance makes sense
Football Insider Verdict
In the circumstances, it is perhaps not a huge shock that the Senegal international is seemingly keen to stay at Stamford Bridge for next season.
Jackson has just helped Chelsea win the UEFA Conference League and qualify for the Champions League for the coming campaign.
As a result, remaining where he is will ensure he continues to play at the top level next season, and has the chance of potentially claiming more silverware.
His contract situation also means he is in a secure and stable position at the moment, which is not something most would want to give up either.
Chelsea will also hope that the competition for a spot in the starting XI will help to bring the best out of Jackson next season, as he looks to stay ahead of Delap and potentially others in the pecking order.
That could help to ensure that this particular situations ends up being the best possible one for all concerned.