Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed the club’s intention to recruit a new striker during the summer transfer window, with the aim of increasing competition for Nicolas Jackson, who has faced mounting criticism.
The Blues began the season impressively under Maresca’s leadership, even climbing to second in the Premier League standings at one point, ahead of traditional title contenders like Manchester City and Arsenal.
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However, their promising start has faded, with Chelsea finding it increasingly difficult to convert chances, particularly during the latter stages of the campaign.
Early-season standouts Cole Palmer and Jackson have struggled to maintain their form, compounding the team’s attacking issues. Jackson has borne the brunt of Chelsea’s attacking responsibilities throughout the campaign.
The injury to Marc Guiu, his only natural backup, since February, has further intensified the burden on the Senegalese forward.
With that context, Maresca confirmed that Chelsea will prioritize the signing of a new forward this summer to bolster the squad and push Jackson to improve.
When asked if the absence of internal competition had affected Jackson’s progress, Maresca responded: “I’m not able to answer now because I don’t know the other part, if a number nine was here. For sure, with us, in my personal opinion, he has grown and improved a lot. Now, if another number nine was here is it better for him? I don’t know.”
Pressed on whether he believed Chelsea needed to bring in another striker to provide that competitive edge, the Italian was unequivocal: “100 per cent.”
Although Chelsea’s form has dipped in the second half of the season, they’ve still managed to reach the UEFA Europa Conference League final, where they will face Real Betis on May 28.
The showdown presents a significant opportunity for Jackson to prove himself, as the club seeks to secure silverware and avoid ending another campaign empty-handed.
