Nicolas Jackson is now Chelsea’s divisive striker as he faces exit as 93% of fans back summer sale. A stunning 93% of Chelsea’s supporters would sell divisive striker Nicolas Jackson this summer. According to a recent Substack poll by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shows a damning indictment of the striker’s turbulent two-year spell at Stamford Bridge. With Aston Villa, Manchester United, and AC Milan circling, Jackson’s future hangs in the balance as Chelsea’s £85m double signing of Liam Delap and João Pedro pushes him toward the exit.
Collapse of Confidence
Jackson’s precipitous fall from starting striker to expendable asset stems from three critical failures:
1. Disciplinary Meltdowns: Two red cards in five games—including a reckless challenge at the Club World Cup that saw him benched for the final—eroded manager Enzo Maresca’s trust.
2. Inconsistent Production: Despite 13 goals in 37 appearances (2024/25), his finishing fluctuated wildly. He scored just once in his final 10 Premier League matches.
3. Tactical Misfit: Maresca’s system demands clinical efficiency. Jackson underperformed his xG by 15%, while João Pedro netted three goals in his first three Chelsea games.
The £85m Guillotine
Chelsea’s aggressive recruitment severed Jackson’s lifeline:
- Liam Delap (£40m): A physical No. 9 who, however, suits Maresca’s direct style.
- João Pedro (£45m): Versatile goal threat already outperforming Jackson in pre-season.
Their arrivals relegated Jackson to third choice, with even Christopher Nkunku now preferred in hybrid roles.
Transfer Tug-of-War
Three clubs are testing Chelsea’s resolve:
- Aston Villa: Unai Emery—Jackson’s mentor at Villarreal—views him as a reclamation project. Villa’s interest would trigger an immediate Chelsea counter-bid for Morgan Rogers, though swap deals are unlikely due to PSR constraints.
- Manchester United: Offered Alejandro Garnacho in a shock swap, valuing Jackson at £60m. United manager Ruben Amorim believes Jackson’s pace could revive their attack.
- AC Milan: Briefly explored a deal but balked at Chelsea’s £50m+ valuation.
Jackson’s Last Stand
Despite the exodus calls, Jackson reportedly “wants to stay” and believes he can “rediscover his best form”. Journalist Rahman Osman argues Chelsea would waste “two years of investment” by selling. Yet the board appears pragmatic: they won’t force him out but will accept bids around £50-60m—a threshold Villa and United could meet.
A Necessary Divorce
Nicolas Jackson’s position in Chelsea is precarious in the face of intense fan dissatisfaction, stiff competition, and the club’s ruthless transfer policy. Furthermore, an astounding 93% of fans want him moved on this summer, as his confidence dissipated following disciplinary tantrums (two red cards in five games) and patchy form – 24 goals in 81 appearances – are now seen as a trade-off. Thus, with Liam Delap coming in for £30m and João Pedro for £45m, Jackson has now slipped to a third-choice striker, as manager Enzo Maresca seems to favour tactical reliability above his chaotic explosiveness.
Chelsea’s ownership has demonstrated unprecedented flexibility in player trading, discarding “pride or rivalries” for squad improvement. However, the club would accept £50–60m bids (below their initial £100m valuation) from suitors like Aston Villa, Manchester United, or AC Milan—though Milan’s interest cooled over pricing. Jackson reportedly desires to stay and “rediscover his best form,” believing he can overcome this adversity. Yet Chelsea’s model prioritizes profit and flexibility: his sale would mirror the exits of Noni Madueke and Djordje Petrovic, showcasing a willingness to pivot rapidly from recent signings.
Final Thoughts
For Jackson, this summer represents a career inflection point. Moreover, his raw talent—evident in blistering pace and movement—clashes with Chelsea’s demand for clinical efficiency. As Fabrizio Romano notes, the situation is “getting serious,” with Premier League clubs testing the waters. Whether he departs or stays as a backup, Jackson epitomizes Chelsea’s cutthroat evolution: talent is transient, but system fit is eternal.
