Jackson open to staying at Chelsea after Maresca’s departure | OneFootball

Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson will return to Stamford Bridge this summer following his loan at Bayern Munich and is open to staying at the club, per The Times.

The Chelsea ace left London at the beginning of the season, forcing through a move to Bayern, but has struggled for game time.

The Bavarians aren’t willing to pay Chelsea the £56.2 million it would cost to make a deal permanent after coughing up a hefty £14.3m loan fee.

Jackson bagged 30 goals and 12 assists in 81 appearances for the Blues and was a handy centre-forward despite his flaws.

With Enzo Maresca gone, Jackson might consider staying at the club to work with Liam Rosenior next season.

Chelsea’s decision to let the promising 24-year-old leave was ponderous, but he agitated for the move. All parties are back to square one and need to plot for the future.

Despite talk of a fresh start, the most likely outcome is that Jackson departs Chelsea permanently this summer.

The Blues have bolstered their attacking depth during his absence. Joao Pedro has emerged as a dependable focal point. He just bagged his 10th Premier League goal of the campaign.

Liam Delap is steadily growing into a credible rotational option, impressing with his physical presence and link-up play.

The impending arrival of Emanuel Emegha further crowds an already competitive striker department, signalling a long-term squad-building strategy that may not include Jackson.

Even with managerial change and uncertainty following the departures of Maresca and the arrival of Rosenior, squad balance and financial pragmatism remain priorities.

Given Chelsea’s forward options and Jackson’s inconsistent development, a sale appears to be the most logical solution for both club and player.