Sometimes, the biggest statement a club can make is not signing anyone.
That seems to be Chelsea’s approach as speculation swirls around Nicolas Jackson’s future.
The 24-year-old striker could be on his way out before the transfer window shuts — but the Blues aren’t scrambling for a replacement.
Jackson’s Future Up in the Air
Jackson’s potential departure has been building for weeks.
After telling the club he wanted to explore other opportunities, the No. 9 was left out of Enzo Maresca’s squads for friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan.
While he continued training at Cobham, he wasn’t spotted with the so-called “bomb squad” — the group of players not in Maresca’s main plans, including Raheem Sterling and Renato Veiga.
Newcastle United have been linked, especially with their own striker crisis surrounding Alexander Isak.
Still, sources close to Jackson say nothing is final, and Chelsea have made it clear they’d happily keep him if he changes his mind.
Why Chelsea Won’t Rush to Replace Him
Even if Jackson leaves, Chelsea aren’t planning to hit the transfer market for a new No. 9.
Instead, Maresca is set to rely on Liam Delap and Joao Pedro as his main strikers, with Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, and Estevao Willian as “false nine” options.
It’s a brave stance, considering last season’s nightmare injury spell, when Jackson and youngster Marc Guiu were sidelined and Maresca half-joked he might need to play up front himself.
Back then, Pedro Neto had to fill in as a makeshift striker.
The Market Value Question
According to the CIES Football Observatory’s transfer algorithm, Jackson’s market value sits at around €85 million (£73.3m).
That figure, however, is sliding, with Chelsea openly willing to sell.
Caballero’s Coaching Class
Away from the transfer buzz, Chelsea assistant coach Willy Caballero has taken on a side role with the Professional Footballers’ Association.
For £2,000, aspiring coaches can learn from him and other tutors in a course called “Approach to Elite Coaching,” which covers how top managers shape their football philosophies.
A Blast from Chelsea’s Past
The PFA is also running a 10-week pre-season programme for players without clubs, giving them training sessions and friendly matches to showcase themselves to scouts.
Among the 38 current participants is Fabio Borini, once a Chelsea youngster and now 34.
Another ex-Blue, goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, recently used the initiative to secure a one-year deal at Leicester City.
No Donnarumma Chase
Despite rumours, Chelsea have no intention of entering the race for PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The club is content with Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, plus promising 20-year-old Mike Penders, currently gaining experience on loan at Strasbourg.
Xavi Simons Interest Still Alive
Agent Ali Barat was at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea’s friendly against Bayer Leverkusen.
He represents Xavi Simons — a long-time Blues target — and is also involved in Jackson’s potential move away.
However, Chelsea’s priority remains outgoings rather than big-name signings.
Stamford Bridge Redevelopment Still on Ice
An update from Chelsea Pitch Owners’ chair, Chris Isitt, confirmed there’s no active proposal for redeveloping or moving from Stamford Bridge.
Talks with local authorities and other parties have been ongoing, but rising construction costs have slowed progress.
The old Roman Abramovich stadium plan can’t simply be revived, as its planning permission has expired
Any new build would also have to meet the current owners’ broader vision of a stadium complex with added entertainment facilities.
Chilwell’s Price Tag Drops
In Chelsea’s club shop, Ben Chilwell’s mini figurine has been reduced from £7 to just £2 — a not-so-subtle sign of his place in the club’s plans.
Signed from Leicester for £45m in 2020, the left-back hasn’t been a regular for some time, and Chelsea are pushing to move him on permanently this summer.
