Enzo Maresca has outlined the qualities he values most in a centre-forward, describing Nicolas Jackson as the ideal number nine in his system. The Chelsea boss made it clear that he’d be more than happy to bring in another striker with a similar profile to the Senegal international.
With Chelsea set for a significant squad overhaul this summer, as many as seven or eight players are expected to depart, paving the way for reinforcements. Strengthening key positions—particularly up front, at centre-back, and on the wing—is high on Maresca’s priority list.
Jackson has led the line for Chelsea this season, scoring nine league goals. However, his absence earlier in the campaign, due to an injury sustained against West Ham, exposed the lack of depth in the striker position. After a two-month spell on the sidelines, he made his return in the win over Tottenham.
Maresca spoke highly of Jackson, saying:
“My perfect number nine is exactly Nico Jackson. If we can get a copy of Nico, that’s fine. He makes us a better team, and he’s exactly the type of striker we need.”
While Jackson continues to develop, Chelsea are still exploring options to add variety and competition in attack. Names like Liam Delap and Benjamin Sesko have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, offering potential alternatives or complements to Jackson up front.
After being named on the bench for Chelsea’s last two matches, Jackson is expected to return to the starting XI against Ipswich on Sunday—a chance to kickstart his goal tally for 2025.!