Nicolas Jackson Chelsea transfer twist as Enzo Maresca responds after fresh 'approach' made

Nicolas Jackson's future at Chelsea has taken several fresh twists with Enzo Maresca commenting on his situation and a double update emerging that impacts the Blues.

The Senegal international has endured a challenging 2025 with his form dipping at the start of the year following on from grabbing 12 Premier League goal contributions 14 games. A hamstring injury saw him miss a month of action with two red cards in just four games then following that.

The second of those came during the Club World Cup, but Maresca was at least able to call on new signings Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.

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As Jackson is suspended for the opening game of the 2025/26 Premier League season, he could find himself as third-choice and an exit could then become a real possibility with Maresca not ruling it out in his latest press conference.

"Nico is okay," he admitted on Thursday morning. "When the window is open, anything can happen. This involves Nico's situation. At the moment, the two strikers have arrived. So we will see."

Manchester United, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Arsenal have all been linked with a move for the 24-year-old. The latter have since signed Viktor Gyokeres while Man United are closing in on a deal to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.

A transfer to Newcastle currently seems to be the most likely option with Eddie Howe's side having missed out on Hugo Ekitike and now Sesko. Brentford's Yoane Wissa has been identified as a serious alternative but French outlet L'Equipeare now claiming that Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr have made an approach to sign the 28-year-old.

Their report states that Newcastle, Tottenham and Neom have been in contact with the Bees but their current asking price is too high. However, it has been stated that Al-Nassr are ready to meet those demands.

If Wissa does head out to the Middle East, that will be another Newcastle target that has moved elsewhere and thus formally pursuing Jackson becomes more likely. Chelsea are expected to demand up to £80million for his departure with that deal potentially paying for more new signings.

Even though Jorrel Hato has only just joined, a new centre-back could come in with Levi Colwill picking up an injury, as revealed by Maresca. His issue being a serious one could result in a return to Chelsea for Marc Guehi being seriously considered.

Elsewhere, talks with RB Leipzig for Xavi Simons are currently ongoing and the sale of Joao Felix is likely to cover that cost. Alejandro Garnacho is also being pursued in a separate deal with exits for Jackson and Christopher Nkunku potentially arriving alongside that.

According to talkSPORT, the Blues value him at £30million and initial talks have now been opened with Manchester United. There is a long-term interest from Stamford Bridge in the Argentine, who is free to depart Old Trafford, with his and Ruben Amorim's relationship seemingly irreparable.