Advertisement

Chelsea hit unexpected jackpot after transfer snub as Enzo Maresca delivers honest verdict

Enzo Maresca speaks to Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez
-Credit: (Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)


Enzo Maresca has already benefitted from a Chelsea transfer snub and more joy looks set to come his way. The Blues boss has endured a mixed start to life at Stamford Bridge, though the last few weeks have been very positive following three consecutive victories.

Games against Bournemouth, West Ham and Barrow have all ended in victory for Chelsea with no goals conceded in the process. A clash against Brighton is next on the agenda and Maresca looks set for a number of team selection dilemmas.

Malo Gusto and Romeo Lavia are both in contention to start and that could impact the likes of Wesley Fofana, Jadon Sancho, Enzo Fernandez and Tosin Adarabioyo. One player, alongside Cole Palmer, that looks undroppable at the minute is Nicolas Jackson after the Senegal international's brace last weekend at London Stadium.

Following that, a surprising stat has emerged with Maresca offering an honest verdict on his attacking options. With that said, football.london has taken a look at the latest Chelsea news and transfer rumours.

Unexpected Jackson outcome

In his last three Chelsea appearances, Jackson has scored three goals and picked up one assist which has significantly helped the Blues go on a four-game unbeaten streak that dates back to early September following the draw against Crystal Palace.

Elsewhere, summer target Victor Osimhen is yet to score for new club Galatasaray following his last-gasp loan switch from Napoli, though he does have three assists.

READ MORE: Every word Enzo Maresca said on Romeo Lavia return, Chelsea injuries, Brighton, Moises Caicedo

READ MORE: Latest Chelsea injury news for Brighton as Maresca confirms huge return after Reece James update

football.london says: "While that is still an impressive return, Chelsea would have brought in Osimhen with the idea he would score goals. Instead, as he did not join, Jackson has been given the nod and taken full advantage with four Premier League goals to his name already.

"Considering Jackson's impressive return, Chelsea may not even need to go back in for Osimhen despite the expectation he will depart Italy permanently next summer.

"A deal for him to arrive in the most recent summer window could not be agreed, mostly due to finances, and as a result of that Chelsea look to have hit the jackpot, with Jackson, signed from Villareal for £32million, further showcasing why he can be the club's long-term answer in attack."

Honest Maresca claim

Even without Osimhen, Jackson is facing some serious competition for his spot in the starting XI from Christopher Nkunku. After scoring the winner against Bournemouth, the France international netted a hat-trick against Barrow with Maresca issuing an honest response to whether he can keep all of his attackers, notably Nkunku, happy.

"I'll be honest. I'll be honest with him [Nkunku] and all of them," he said. "I've said to them since day one we cannot play with seven or eight attacking players otherwise there is no defensive balance."

"Nico is playing in the Premier League and scored two goals [vs West Ham] and Christo played the other day and scored three. This is good because not one of them can drop, that means the other one has more chances; thinking and knowing that it is impossible for them to be at the same level all season."

football.london says: "Competition breeds excellence and that is seemingly on show at Stamford Bridge between Jackson and Nkunku. For Maresca, there are absolutely worse problems to have, though his latest admission certainly suggests he is sticking by Jackson for the meantime.

"Having Nkunku as an option on the bench is some luxury with that likely to be utilised over the coming weeks while both are fit. Following his brace against West Ham, Nkunku's response was to score three but there could be a solution to Maresca's dilemma.

"Ahead of the 2023/24 season, Mauricio Pochettino deployed Nkunku behind Jackson and though the existence of Palmer somewhat prohibits that, he could be moved out wide to accommodate both in central areas."