Enzo Maresca says Nicolas Jackson can leave Chelsea this summer despite training with the first team | OneFootball

Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson can leave the West London outfit this summer. The Blues have signed Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, pushing him down the pecking order.

Pedro has been in impeccable form since joining Chelsea, and Delap is a handful from the bench, leaving Jackson out of the picture.

Jackson did not feature in either game as Chelsea beat AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen in their pre-season preparation, leading to speculation that he was away from the team.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca spoke about the striker’s situation and reiterated that he could leave despite training with the main team.

Maresca said (via Fabrizio Romano): “He is training with us, but he is not going to be involved. You know the situation already.

“The window transfer is open. He can leave, and we’ll see.”

Several clubs have been targeting Jackson, with Newcastle United and Bayern Munich showing interest in the Chelsea ace, although it remains unclear where he will end up.

Jackson has bagged 30 goals and 12 assists in 81 appearances for the Blues across his two seasons in West London.

However, he has come under fire for his wastefulness and penchant for picking up bookings.

Despite recording 13 goals and six assists in 37 appearances last season, his future is up in the air.

Chelsea should consider using Jackson on the left wing

Maresca should rethink and shift Jackson to a left-wing role instead of chasing Alejandro Garnacho.

The Italian tactician admitted he wants a new winger, and he must consider the Senegalese international.

Jackson’s goal involvement rate is healthier than many high-priced wingers and strikers, achieved despite Chelsea’s muddled squad-building slowing his growth.

In a settled role, his value will only rise, and selling him now risks watching him explode elsewhere.

His sharp movement, clever link-up play, and ability to offer something different from the left flank make him an asset alongside Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.

With Pedro and Delap covering central duties, Jackson could thrive wide left, stretch defences, and still get minutes in a long, demanding season.