Since joining Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023, Nicolas Jackson has been the team’s first-choice centre-forward.
Last season, Jackson made 44 appearances in all competitions. This term, he has made 34.
However, his status as Chelsea‘s No.1 striker is now at huge risk as the Blues pursue the likes of Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.
Chelsea are actually close to signing Delap, and it looks like Jackson is not too happy about the club targeting both him and Ekitike.
Nicolas Jackson ‘unhappy’ at Chelsea
According to journalist Simon Phillips, who has shared an update on Jackson’s future on Si Phillips Talks Chelsea, the 23-year-old is “a bit unhappy” at Stamford Bridge and could look for a transfer this summer.
If Jackson does decide that he wants to leave Chelsea but is keen to remain in the Premier League, the Senegal international could end up joining Manchester United.
It has been claimed that United have made an approach to sign Jackson as they look to bring in a new striker themselves.
The Red Devils were interested in Delap, but the England U21 international now seems destined to join their Premier League rivals.
Delap caught a lot of teams’ attention this season after scoring 12 top-flight goals for a relegated Ipswich side. A £30m release clause in his contract, which has become active following Ipswich’s return to the Championship, has made him attainable this transfer window.
When Chelsea are likely to complete Liam Delap signing
Jackson, who cost Chelsea £32m, really may not be the Blues’ first-choice striker for much longer.
Journalist Ben Jacobs shared on X on Sunday morning that Delap has been undergoing a Chelsea medical. It means a deal could be wrapped up early next week.
The Club World Cup will be a big tournament for Chelsea given the prize money available. Who starts up front in their first game against Leon could give an indication of who the No.1 striker will be for the 2025/26 season.
