Maresca Breaks Silence on Jackson's Chelsea Fate: "Not Involved" in Exit Talks
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has clarified that Nicolas Jackson hasn't been excluded from training sessions but remains unavailable for selection as speculation about his club future persists.
Jackson has allegedly requested a departure from Chelsea during this transfer window following the arrivals of both Liam Delap and João Pedro, with Newcastle United reportedly being his favored destination.
Chelsea are willing to consider offers for Jackson but are anticipated to seek a substantial transfer fee for the 24-year-old striker, while the Blues maintain he would be reintegrated into Maresca's squad should no appropriate bids materialize.
Supporting this position, Maresca clarified that Jackson isn't among Chelsea's "bomb squad"—the collection of surplus players required to train in isolation, which features players like Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell.
"He is participating in training with the team but won't be included in matchday selections," Maresca stated before Sunday's season opener versus Crystal Palace.
When pressed about Jackson's prospects at the club, Maresca acknowledged the Senegalese forward might depart before the transfer deadline.
"The circumstances are already known," he responded. "The transfer window remains active, he could move and we'll monitor developments."
Chelsea value Jackson as an offensive asset but acknowledge his ambition to be a primary striker—a guarantee Maresca cannot provide after both Delap and Pedro delivered strong performances during Chelsea's Club World Cup campaign this summer. Jackson received a red card during his 98 minutes on the heavily criticized American playing surfaces, while Delap contributed a goal and assist, and Pedro emerged as Chelsea's joint-leading goalscorer in the competition.
Newcastle are believed to maintain interest in Jackson, though some at St James' Park question whether he can adequately replace Alexander Isak, who remains determined to secure a transfer to Liverpool.