Enzo Maresca has hailed Nicolas Jackson as his ideal centre-forward, affirming his confidence in the Senegalese striker despite ongoing speculation linking Chelsea with other attacking options.
Jackson, 23, led the line for the Blues throughout the season, scoring nine Premier League goals.
While his overall impact was evident, Chelsea were left exposed during his injury absence, notably following a setback suffered in the clash against West Ham.
The forward spent two months on the sidelines before making a return in the recent victory over Tottenham.
Despite the interruptions, Maresca made it clear that Jackson remains central to his vision for the team.
Speaking to Absolute Chelsea, the Italian manager expressed unwavering belief in the young striker’s abilities and dismissed suggestions that the club must prioritise signing a new frontman this summer.
“My perfect number nine is exactly Nico Jackson,” Maresca said. “We already have a number nine.
It’s not summer yet, but if we could find another player who is a copy of Nico, that would be perfect.”
His remarks come as Chelsea continue to be linked with a range of striking targets.
Names such as Liam Delap and Benjamin Šeško have surfaced in recent reports, fuelling rumours of potential reinforcements in the attacking department.
But Maresca appears in no rush to pursue alternatives if Jackson remains fit and in form.
“I’ve said it many times, and you can see it clearly — with Nico, we’re a better team. Nico is the one we need,” the Chelsea boss added.
Jackson’s role this season has been pivotal in shaping the team’s offensive rhythm.
While his goal tally may not rival the league’s top scorers, his overall contribution — from movement and pressing to link-up play — has earned him praise from the coaching staff.
Maresca’s comments suggest that rather than seeking a marquee signing to lead the line, Chelsea could instead focus on strengthening the depth behind Jackson or finding a player with similar characteristics to provide cover when necessary.
The manager’s emphasis on replication, rather than replacement, reinforces his belief that Jackson possesses the exact qualities he wants in a number nine.
Still, questions may linger around Chelsea’s squad depth in that position, especially given how the team struggled to maintain consistency during Jackson’s injury layoff.
The lack of a reliable backup became apparent in that period, prompting some fans and analysts to call for reinforcements in the upcoming window.
As Chelsea look ahead to the summer, the direction of their transfer strategy remains to be seen.
But Maresca’s latest remarks indicate that Jackson is firmly in his plans — not just as an option, but as the blueprint for what he expects from a striker in his system.
For now, the message from the Chelsea dugout is clear: in Maresca’s eyes, there is no one more suited to leading the line than Nicolas Jackson.
