Chelsea offer big hint on transfer plan which will '100%' help struggling star

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca wants to bring in a striker to provide competition for Nicolas Jackson - and believes that would ultimately make the Colombian a better player

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca admits he "100 percent" wants a new frontman to provide competition for Nicolas Jackson. The Senegal international has been relied upon to lead the line since arriving at the Blues, but there is a lack of depth beyond him.

Despite their vast investment the west Londoners lack a prolific forward with Cole Palmer leading their goalscoring charts - as he did last term. Jackson is only one behind him on 14 goals, but that is nowhere close to the numbers posted by some of the other players in the Premier League.

The Blues head into the final two games of the Premier League season without the suspended Jackson, who was red carded at Newcastle last weekend. Youngster Marc Guiu is the only other recognised No9 in Maresca’s squad, but he has been injured since the start of February.

Despite having Christopher Nkunku on their books Maresca has repeatedly claimed he doesn't see the Frenchman as a natural forward and he's previously been linked with the exit door.

The Chelsea boss was non-committal when quizzed over whether Jackson has struggled without anyone to apply pressure on him, almost guaranteeing him starting role, but was adamant he wanted reinforcements bought in.

He said: “I'm not able to answer now because I don't know the other part, if a No 9 was here. For sure, with us, in my personal opinion, he has grown and improved a lot. Now if another No9 was here is it better for him? I don't know.” When asked whether he wanted someone to provide competition going forward Maresca then added: “100 per cent”.

Chelsea have been linked with the likes of Liam Delap this summer in an effort to add more firepower to the team. Last year they were after Victor Osimhen but ultimately missed out on the Nigerian, who headed to Galatasaray on loan.

Ivan Toney was also a target but the former Brentford man left the Premier League and headed for Saudi Arabia. It means the Blues remain firmly in the market for more goals but Maresca claimed he had "no regrets" about not bringing in a new face back in January.

Chelsea's summer recruitment is likely to be influenced by whether or not they make the Champions League. They remain in a battle for the top five but missing out would have major financial implications for the club.