Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson hasn't done enough to convince Blues ownership and others at the club. That's if we believe media stories. In spite of some great form with many goals and assists, it is reported that the Senegal international isn't the man CFC bosses are set to put their faith in. That is why west London recruitment chiefs are said to be targeting a number of centre forwards.
But why isn't Jackson thought of more highly at Stamford Bridge? What can the former Villarreal man do, if anything, to attain that absolute trust as the Chels' No.9? And which attackers are the English capital side planning on swooping for when the January transfer market opens once more?
The Pride of London writer admits he may have been wrong about Nicolas Jackson
Jackson has impressed me a lot this season. I'm not yet thoroughly convinced that he is the man to lead Chelsea's attack. But he is more of a rounded finisher and determined top-level player than I gave him credit for. I advocated for the signing of a separate, elite goalscorer for the duration of the summer. Though I am currently conflicted in that regard.
There was a point last season where I assumed that Jackson would be moved wide. He did perform very well against opposing defences when deployed there a few times in 2023/24. Nonetheless, the capable striker clearly buried in the Senegalese is coming to the forefront now.
Jackson's six goal involvements in five Premier League outings of this opening period is almost remarkable. In addition to people such as myself writing him off, far more qualified observers such as CFC legend John Obi Mikel joined in questioning the 23-year-old's potential and capabilities. Therfore some pundits and journalists are still unsure.
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Though the opinions from those that ultimately matter at the Bridge in a decision-making sense might perhaps work against Jackson. It seems that even slightly outshining potentially generational footballer Cole Palmer hasn't cemented the former's place on Fulham Road. Jackson may be an understudy someday.
Jackson's position as the Blues' main striker has been and continues to be under threat. And the danger comes from within his own club, apparently. In fact, up to four names are being considered as possible replacements for the forward. The quartet comprises of: Galatasaray loanee from Napoli, Victor Osimhen, Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, as well as RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.