Nicolas Jackson is available but will not travel with Chelsea for the upcoming Premier League game against West Ham. The 24-year-old joined from Villarreal in 2023 for a reported £32m and missed the season opener because of a red card suspension. Chelsea signed Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, increasing uncertainty over Jackson's position, with Aston Villa and Newcastle linked to potential moves. Only Cole Palmer has more goal involvements than Jackson since his arrival. Christopher Nkunku also appears likely to leave, with Bayern Munich holding loan talks while Chelsea are thought to prefer a permanent deal. Jackson and Raheem Sterling are training separately from the main group.
Jackson has been subject to transfer speculation this summer despite only arriving at Stamford Bridge from Villarreal in 2023 for a reported £32m (€36.9m) fee. The 24-year-old was not involved in Chelsea's goalless draw against Crystal Palace in the first game of their 2025-26 campaign due to a red card suspension. Jackson's future has been thrown into question after the Blues completed big-money deals for Joao Pedro and Liam Delap from Brighton and Ipswich Town, respectively.
It has been reported that Aston Villa are lining up a move for the striker, while Newcastle United have had an ongoing interest given the uncertainty around Alexander Isak. And despite being fit to play, Maresca confirmed that Jackson would not be part of the travelling Chelsea party for their short trip to the London Stadium on Friday. "He is available, but he is not going to be part of the squad," Maresca told reporters. "As we already said, we have two strikers. And also we know that something can happen before the transfer window closes." Asked whether Jackson is close to a move away, Maresca added: "No idea. You know, from last season I prefer to focus on training sessions. I don't know."
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