William Gallas doesn't see Nicolas Jackson joining Arsenal or anyone else this summer despite his grievances over the sacking of Mauricio Pochettino.
Jackson, 23, joined Chelsea from Villarreal last summer and finished the season with 17 goals in all competitions. The Senegal international and his team-mates will work with Enzo Maresca going forward after Pochettino and Chelsea parted company last month.
Jackson wasted little time in voicing his disappointment at said decision on social media, where he expressed his admiration for the Argentine. But when Gallas, a former Arsenal and Chelsea defender, was asked if that could pave the way for a summer transfer to the Emirates, he backed Jackson to build on an decent first season at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking to Gambling Zone, Gallas said: “Nicolas Jackson to Arsenal? No, I don’t think so. Nicolas Jackson is clearly upset at Chelsea for Pochettino leaving, Poch gave him the opportunity to have that confidence and he gave him a very good first season in the Premier League.
“The new manager will need time to get even more out of Jackson, but he had a very solid season, scoring nearly 15 goals, so I think he can improve again. He’s still young and the next step is to get to the 20 goal mark, which I think is possible next season for him.
“He’s still very raw and missed some huge chances, especially in their semi-final of the FA Cup against Man City, but I think he has all the tools to become a very good player in the future.”
While Arsenal are understood to be in the market for attacking reinforcements this summer, it remains to be seen what type of forward they will pursue. They were lining up a swoop for Slovenia striker Benjamin Sesko, only for him to sign a new contract with Red Bull Leipzig.
Gallas believes Arsenal need a different type of striker to Gabriel Jesus, who suffered with injuries last term. And the former defender is of the opinion that Ollie Watkins, fresh off the back of a highly productive campaign with Aston Villa, fits the bill.
He added: “I know Arsenal want a striker and they definitely need one as they need something different to Gabriel Jesus. I like Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa. I think would be a good profile for Arsenal, he can stretch defences and offer something different to Gabriel Jesus. I liked the way he performed when he came on for England against Denmark in their last game.
“He’s the kind of player you would want to play up front with someone else. He’s quick, intelligent and a player like him would be good for Arsenal, especially if he plays with someone who can link with him up front.
“Gabriel Jesus was injured last season but you need a striker who can score you 20 plus goals, Watkins did and he might be the player that sees Arsenal over the line for the title next season.”
miguelbumba
0
Arsenal needs a prolific striker, not a baby striker bro.
Ollie Watkins just scored 20 plus goals in a team with less attacking qualities than Arsenal!
GeneralescobaCfr
1
How does a striker name sound
Arsenal needs a prolific striker, not a baby striker bro.
GeneralescobaCfr
0
Ollie Watkins is not a defender's name either 🤣🤣🤣
That name doesn't even sound like a midfielders name, English media hyping English players. That's a farmer's name.
vuaabdipu
0
Poch needs to go back to Spain and coach Espanyol
Pehcdlmnrt
0
joke son will warm serious cold on the bench
Leuinortuy
0
why dont you journist stop spreading rumors about Arsenal and some of these useless players who the hell told you people that Arsenal want Jackson
Jackson scored more goals than all arsenal strikers last season including kai harvert
MogastyJn
0
Jackson nightmares : Don’t loan me !!!!!!! I’ll score I promise 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
faith1984
0
Jackson sacked pochenttino with his poor delivery of goals
Fubbdeoprt
0
why dont you journist stop spreading rumors about Arsenal and some of these useless players who the hell told you people that Arsenal want Jackson
jadacdint
0
Jackson should know that he is not playing for that poor Poch rather it's Chelsea that Sign him, gave him contract and it's Chelsea that are paying him. poor headed African boy.
miguelbumba
0
Gallas liking Ollie Watkins does not mean he can strive very well at Arsenal. His name doesn't even sound like a striker's name.
Ollie Watkins is not a defender's name either 🤣🤣🤣
mehacdirt
2
who wants Jackson,,the guy is useless,,should be playing in league one
kopigao
0
even thou he miss chances times with number, he's the only recognize striker that was consistent throughout the season without injury you can't actually blamed the coach... Nkuku was not actually fit just coming nd going back injured and which other striker would you have use apart from Jackson if you were the coach
Regrettably, we had no choice unless we could recall Lukaku and stop Havertz from departing.
Ciuacmpsuz
0
Gallas liking Ollie Watkins does not mean he can strive very well at Arsenal. His name doesn't even sound like a striker's name.
elkay23
0
Chelsea is the market place for Arsenal
ArsenalforeverRed
1
Gallas liking Ollie Watkins does not mean he can strive very well at Arsenal. His name doesn't even sound like a striker's name.
How does a striker name sound
darrenham
3
Exactly. Watkin is a special striker who bring confidence to his teamates and bring into play
miyacnps
1
Pochettino's decision to stick with Nicolas Jackson as the main striker despite his inconsistent performance throughout the season ultimately proved to be a contributing factor in his dismissal as manager. Despite Jackson's struggles to find form and consistently deliver goals, Pochettino continued to show faith in him, perhaps to the detriment of the team's overall performance. This decision may have frustrated fans and the club's hierarchy, leading to questions about Pochettino's judgment and ability to make tough decisions for the benefit of the team. Ultimately, the lack of results and the failure to address the striker position effectively may have been a key factor in Pochettino's departure from the club.
even thou he miss chances times with number, he's the only recognize striker that was consistent throughout the season without injury you can't actually blamed the coach... Nkuku was not actually fit just coming nd going back injured and which other striker would you have use apart from Jackson if you were the coach
daabikpu
1
The general has spoken
kopigao
3
Pochettino's decision to stick with Nicolas Jackson as the main striker despite his inconsistent performance throughout the season ultimately proved to be a contributing factor in his dismissal as manager. Despite Jackson's struggles to find form and consistently deliver goals, Pochettino continued to show faith in him, perhaps to the detriment of the team's overall performance. This decision may have frustrated fans and the club's hierarchy, leading to questions about Pochettino's judgment and ability to make tough decisions for the benefit of the team. Ultimately, the lack of results and the failure to address the striker position effectively may have been a key factor in Pochettino's departure from the club.
GeneralescobaCfr
1
Gallas liking Ollie Watkins does not mean he can strive very well at Arsenal. His name doesn't even sound like a striker's name.