No hope for Jackson as Maresca names Chelsea’s number one striker

Chelsea’s attack has a new look under Enzo Maresca, but it spells trouble for Senegalese star Nicolas Jackson.

The coach’s praise for Joao Pedro and Liam Delap suggests the club is already moving in a different direction.

Enzo Maresca has been quick to highlight the versatility of Joao Pedro and the power of Liam Delap after their early performances for Chelsea.

“I think Joao with us can play the five positions in the front, as a winger wide, or inside in the middle of the pitch, or behind a striker,” Maresca explained.

He added that Pedro shines most as a nine or just behind the striker, while Delap offers physicality and clever runs in behind.

The Chelsea boss was pleased with both after the Crystal Palace match, pointing out that “the good thing is that both of them are good and both of them are going to score goals.” These words, though seemingly neutral, paint a clear picture of who is central to Chelsea’s attacking plans.

Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson’s future looks bleak despite netting 24 goals in two Premier League campaigns.

His wastefulness in front of goal, coupled with two red cards late last season, soured much of the goodwill around him.

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has already hinted that Jackson is on the way out, saying: “There’s big movements ongoing around Nico Jackson, he’s definitely set to leave Chelsea very soon… Aston Villa pushing as Unai Emery wants him. Decision soon.”

Bayern Munich and Newcastle United are also in the mix. Maresca underlined the uncertainty, admitting: “Nicolas Jackson is available, but he’s not part of the squad for West Ham. We know something can happen before the window closes.”

For a striker once tipped as Chelsea’s long-term number nine, it feels like the end of the road at Stamford Bridge.