Aksel Kryhlmand
Chelsea remain active in the striker market
Chelsea’s summer striker strategy is under renewed scrutiny after Nicolas Jackson’s latest red card, which has led to fresh questions about the club’s forward options and intensified speculation linking the Blues to Victor Osimhen.
Jackson’s Red Card Compounds Uncertainty
Jackson was sent off just four minutes after coming off the bench in Chelsea’s Club World Cup match against Flamengo, marking his second straight red card in four matches. The incident follows a similar dismissal against Newcastle United last season, incidents that have undermined his standing at the club despite a reasonable goal return.
The Senegalese striker has 24 Premier League goals and 10 assists over two seasons, but concerns about his discipline and consistency have grown louder. His latest dismissal has once again highlighted the need for more reliable options up front.
Liam Delap Offers Glimpse of Stability
Chelsea’s recent £30 million signing Liam Delap has quickly gained ground. After a strong showing against LAFC and another competitive appearance against Flamengo, Delap is set to start the Premier League opener while Jackson serves a suspension. Although Delap is still adapting to top-level football, his performances have offered manager Enzo Maresca a dependable alternative.
Maresca has publicly defended Jackson, dismissing the idea that the red card will influence his future. However, the broader consensus suggests otherwise, especially given the ongoing search for a marquee striker.
Transfer Market Focus Returns to Osimhen
Chelsea remain active in the striker market. Talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over Hugo Ekitike have stalled due to valuation disagreements, but the club’s interest in high-profile forwards like Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres persists. Both are valued around £60 million, but their high wage demands and overall cost packages complicate negotiations.
Osimhen, currently with Galatasaray, has long been admired by former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, who again called for his signing after Jackson’s red card. Chelsea’s openness to adding another striker this summer underscores the dwindling patience with Jackson, whose actions have made the club’s decision easier.
A Defining Summer for Chelsea’s Forward Line
Jackson’s emotional post-match apology acknowledged his mistake, yet the damage may be more significant than one match suspension. If Chelsea advance in the Club World Cup, Delap will likely get additional starts, potentially cementing his role.
Chelsea’s pursuit of a top-tier striker, possibly Osimhen, could accelerate if Jackson fails to regain trust. With the new season approaching, the striker conundrum is quickly becoming one of the most pivotal issues of Maresca’s early tenure.