Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has admitted Nicolas Jackson could leave the club this summer, as competition intensifies in the Blues’ forward line following the arrival of two new strikers. The Senegalese has only scored 24 goals in 65 appearances since he joined the Blues.
Softfootball understands the 24-year-old is now expected to explore opportunities away from Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea open to offers if the right proposal arrives. Maresca, speaking after the club’s latest pre-season outing, was notably non-committal when asked about Jackson’s future.
Nicolas Jackson (Photo Credit: Getty)
As reported by Fabrizio Romano via his X handle, Maresca said this:
“During the window, anything can happen. That’s also the case for Nico Jackson. We signed two strikers… let’s see.”
While no final decision has been made, Maresca’s tone marks a notable shift from earlier in the window when Jackson had been expected to stay and compete for a place.
Chelsea have since moved aggressively to reinforce their attack, with Estevão Willian and Joao Pedro arriving from Palmeiras and Brighton, respectively, and the club continuing to pursue additional forward targets.
Jackson joined Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023 and produced flashes of promise during a turbulent debut campaign, scoring 14 goals across all competitions. However, inconsistency in front of goal, particularly during high-leverage moments, raised questions about his long-term role in a title-chasing side.
Under Maresca, Chelsea is placing greater emphasis on positional discipline and structured attacking phases. Maresca, for now, is leaving all doors open both for Jackson and other players on the fringes.
He said:
“This is normal at a club like Chelsea. We build, we adapt, and the window gives time to do that.”
Softfootball sources indicate the manager is looking for greater refinement in the No. 9 role, having signed and unveiled Estavio from Palmerias.
Clubs in Spain and Germany are understood to be monitoring the situation, while Premier League sides could yet enter the frame if Chelsea formally puts Jackson on the market.
With weeks remaining in the window, Jackson’s future hangs in the balance, and Maresca isn’t standing in the way if the right offer comes.
