Xabi Alonso discussed several players on Monday in his unveiling as Chelsea manager, including Nicolas Jackson.
Jackson’s Chelsea career looked over after he joined Bayern Munich on loan in the last summer transfer window.
However, Bayern’s obligation to buy was never triggered and the striker is now due to return to Cobham.
Nicolas Jackson or Liam Delap, which one are you keeping? Tell us who and why!
Xabi Alonso will be making the right call by keeping Nicolas Jackson at Chelsea
Jackson will now be reintegrated into Chelsea’s first-team squad, at least for pre-season, something Alonso confirmed in his first press conference as Blues boss on Monday.
Speaking to Chelsea’s official club website and the English media about the 25-year-old, Alonso said: “He’s joining in the tour we are starting in Asia. I look forward to starting with Nico at that time.”
Jackson still has his doubters, yet keeping hold of him is one of the best decisions that Alonso can make this summer.
The Spaniard needs better cover for Joao Pedro, with question marks surrounding Liam Delap, Marc Guiu and Emmanuel Emegha.
Delap really struggled last season and could now be sold, Guiu could be loaned out and Emegha is unproven in the Premier League.
In contrast to Delap, Jackson was able to score goals for Chelsea in his first two seasons at Stamford Bridge. And at 25 and with 65 Premier League appearances to his name, he is more experienced at this level than both Guiu and Emegha.
Retaining him and then perhaps letting go of Delap and Guiu is the way to go. Delap is open to accepting a squad role, but an exit would probably be the best for him and his development at this point.
Nicolas Jackson stay should rule out signing of another striker
It has been claimed that Alonso feels Chelsea may need to sign a new centre-forward during this transfer window.
The Blues have been linked with a few names, including Dusan Vlahovic, who has left Juventus on a free transfer after failing to agree a new contract with the Italian giants.
However, if Jackson remains in west London, it is hard to see how Chelsea can make room in their squad for another striker.
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