Nico Jackson Set for Chelsea Exit as Maresca Confirms Transfer Possibility

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said striker Nico Jackson will not play in matches as the club looks for a transfer option in the window.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Jackson is not in Chelsea‘s plans as he waits for a transfer before the summer window closes. Maresca said that Jackson is training normally, but will not be included in matchday squads as transfer talks continue. The striker has made 81 appearances for Chelsea with 30 goals and 12 assists. However, with interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle, his future is uncertain. Reports suggest Jackson prefers a reunion with Unai Emery at Aston Villa. Chelsea want at least £80 million for Jackson, while Villa value him closer to £60 million. According to reports, Jackson might also leave Chelsea if a strong offer comes in the next few weeks as interest from big clubs increases.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Chelsea have been forced into significant squad changes in the transfer window due to ongoing financial problems. Several players such as Raheem Sterling, Christopher Nkunku, and Renato Veiga could leave, too. New signings Joao Pedro and Liam Delap have pushed Jackson down the pecking order, with reports noting that competition from these new arrivals has increased for Nicolas Jackson. Chelsea wants to build a more competitive team to climb back into the Champions League qualification positions after finishing fourth in the Premier League last season.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR CHELSEA AND JACKSON?

Chelsea open their new league campaign against a mid-table Crystal Palace side. Maresca’s side will be under the microscope as the manager tries to find the winning formula amid these drastic changes to the squad. If Jackson’s transfer doesn’t materialise, Maresca could reintegrate the striker into the squad. Meanwhile, Villa’s loss of key player Jacob Ramsey means they will make efforts to finalise Jackson’s arrival before the league campaign opener against West Ham. With Chelsea’s first Premier League match against Crystal Palace upcoming the next two weeks are crucial for all parties involved as the transfer window remains open until the end of August.