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

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that striker Nicolas Jackson can leave the club this summer.

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

Jackson did not feature as Chelsea beat AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen in their pre-season preparation, leading to speculation about his future.

Maresca spoke about the striker’s situation and reiterated that he could leave despite training with the first team.

Maresca said (via journalist 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 targeted Jackson, with Newcastle United and Bayern Munich showing interest.

Jackson has bagged 30 goals and 12 assists in 81 appearances for the Blues. 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 on the left, stretch defences and still be a valuable asset for Chelsea.