Maresca responds to Chelsea's FAILED Osimhen pursuit

Cameron Smith

• 1 Sept 2024 18:00 BST
• 3 min read

Enzo Maresca has admitted that he trusts Nicolas Jackson after Chelsea’s failed pursuit of Napoli forward Victor Osimhen.

The Blues were continually linked with signing a new centre-forward during the summer transfer window, but their efforts to sign Osimhen, Ivan Toney, Samu Omorodion and Jhon Duran all ended in despair.

Their pursuit of Osimhen was the most high-profile, with Chelsea hoping to finalise an agreement on Transfer Deadline Day. However, the Nigeria international was unwilling to compromise on his salary demands and Chelsea couldn’t agree a late deal with either the player or Napoli.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024 - All the Done Deals

As a result, Jackson and Marc Guiu are the only recognised senior strikers in Chelsea’s first-team squad until at least January.

Following his side’s 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday, Maresca was asked whether he was disappointed by Chelsea’s failure to sign a new striker.

He replied: “We want players but we want players that we decide and then the condition has to be our condition. So if the players are not here, then that means the conditions were not good for us.

“We'll see now from here to January. I don't know how many games we have, but I've told you many times I like to focus on the next days. So we will see in January.”

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Nicolas Jackson set to sign a new contract

Maresca also confirmed reports that Jackson will sign a new Chelsea deal. “The only thing I know is that he is signing a new contract,” the Italian admitted.

“Exactly how many years; I don't know, to be honest, but I know he is signing a new contract.

“I'm very happy. Nicolas is doing a fantastic job with us, on and off the ball, he scored already two goals [this season]. He scored again today. He had another two chances but we are happy with him.

“I have faith, and the club also, even before. Not because we are looking for another striker; not that we don't trust Nicolas. We trust Nicolas.

“I said last week when the transfer window was still open - he is doing fantastic with us. I am very happy with him.”

Jackson’s current Chelsea contract runs until 2031, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at just under €45 million.