Enzo Maresca: Chelsea would be happier WITHOUT Jackson & Nkunku

Robin Bairner

• 21 Aug 2025 11:25 BST
• 4 min read

News

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku have been frozen out of the club’s squad to face West Ham United in the Premier League on Friday.

Both Jackson and Nkunku have been strongly linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge before the end of the transfer window. The Senegal striker has been linked with a number of clubs seeking a striker, while the France attacker is likely to move back to the Bundesliga, where Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig are vying to secure his signature.

Now Maresca has sent a strong message to the pair.

Compared

Christopher Nkunku

F (C), M (L)

Chelsea

Christopher Nkunku

F (C), M (L)

Chelsea

VS

Nicolas Jackson 

F (C)

Chelsea

Nicolas Jackson 

F (C)

Chelsea

€41.8M	ETV	€65.2M
€37.6M - €46M	ETV Range	€58.6M - €71.7M
27 years old (14 Nov, 1997)	Age	24 years old (20 Jun, 2001)
France	Nationality	Senegal

Speaking ahead of the West Ham clash, he said: “Nicolas Jackson is available but is not going to be part of the squad because we have two strikers in that position and we know that something can happen before the transfer window closes."

“Christo is the same as Nico. Training with us but waiting for a solution.”

The pair hold the key to signing Xavi Simons from RB Leizpig, with Chelsea needing to raise money to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

“I think it is better if they find a solution as they will be more happy, and the club will feel the same,” Maresca added on the situation.

The Italian did, however, confirm that both Jackson and Nkunku will be reintegrated into the squad if no deal is struck before the end of the transfer window on 1 September.

Romano confirms that state of play

Fabrizio Romano has discussed the current negotiations for Nkunku on his YouTube channel.

The transfer insider explained: “Bayern want a loan, Chelsea want a permanent deal. RB Leipzig have asked about Nkunku again, but at the moment they’re also asking for a loan. Chelsea have told them: permanent transfer or nothing. They’re talking to both clubs while waiting for Xavi Simons to arrive.”

The wheels are turning at Chelsea, with Maresca confirming as much with his explosive statement on Jackson and Nkunku.

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