Chelsea's Jackson plans turns sour as Enzo Maresca completes major U-turn

Nicolas Jackson has fallen out of favour with Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca after being pushed down the pecking order by the arrivals of new forwards Joao Pedro and Liam Delap

Enzo Maresca's plans for Nicolas Jackson at Chelsea have dramatically changed after claiming he wanted to sign competition for him earlier this summer - with the striker now told to find a new club.

Jackson has been under fire for some time at Stamford Bridge after criticism that he doesn't score enough goals. He netted 10 in the 2024-25 Premier League season, leading to calls for a more reliable No 9.

The Senegal international scored 17 goals in all competitions in his first season under Mauricio Pochettino in 2023-24 but has still divided opinion, with club legends such as Jon Obi Mikel claiming he was not a "top striker".

And after the end of last season, Maresca was asked whether the lack of competition to Jackson had hurt his development.

The Italian said he wasn't sure, but felt Jackson had improved during his time at the club. “I'm not able to answer now because I don't know the other part, if a number nine was here," he said.

"For sure, with us, in my personal opinion, he has grown and improved a lot. Now, if another number nine was here is it better for him? I don't know." When asked if he was planning to provide more competition up front, he replied: "100 per cent".

Maresca did end up signing new forwards as Liam Delap arrived from Ipswich for £30m and Joao Pedro was signed from Brighton for £60m, but those additions have now pushed Jackson to the back of the pecking order.

The Chelsea boss said Jackson and Christopher Nkunku had both been told to find new clubs after falling out of his plans and would not be in his squad to face West Ham on Friday night.

"[Jackson] is available, but he is not going to be part of the squad,” Maresca said. "As we already said, we have two strikers. And also we know that something can happen before the transfer window closes."

He added: “If they are going to be here, they will be with us. If not, it means they found a solution. I think it's better if they find a solution because they are going to be more happy."

When pressed about whether incomings or outgoings were close, he said: "No idea, to be honest. I prefer to be focused on training sessions and preparing for the game. Christo is with us, but it's the same situation as Nico."

Aston Villa and Newcastle have both been heavily linked with signing Jackson, with Unai Emery understood to be very keen to sign him to complement Ollie Watkins. Newcastle meanwhile, are desperate for any attacking reinforcements they can get their hands on after a series of public - and brutal - transfer snubs.

Chelsea are still looking to bring in attacking players to the squad after chasing deals for Red Bull Leipzig's Xavi Simons - who can play up front or behind the striker - and Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho.