Chelsea’s Pre-Season Preparation and Transfer Speculation
As the 2025/26 Premier League season approaches, Chelsea is preparing for its pre-season schedule with a series of friendly matches. The Blues will face Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan before their opening game against Crystal Palace on August 17. These matches are crucial for Enzo Maresca to assess his squad and fine-tune his tactics ahead of the new campaign.
The team has made several high-profile signings this summer, including Liam Delap and Estevao, who were included in the starting XI for the friendly against Leverkusen. This marks their first appearances for the club at Stamford Bridge. Other summer arrivals such as Jorrel Hato, Dario Essugo, Jamie Gittens, and Joao Pedro were named on the bench, indicating that Maresca is experimenting with different formations and lineups.
However, two key players—Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku—were notably absent from the matchday squad. Their absence has sparked speculation about potential transfers, especially as both have been linked with moves away from the club.
Nicolas Jackson’s Future at Chelsea
Despite his strong performances during the Club World Cup, Jackson’s future at Chelsea remains uncertain. Reports suggest that he has submitted a transfer request, and the club is open to selling him if a suitable offer meets their £80 million valuation. Clubs like Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in the Senegalese striker.
Former Chelsea forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has expressed his support for Jackson remaining at the club. In an interview with Channel 5, he emphasized that Jackson brings a unique quality to the team. “He’s not going to play as much as last year, but I still think that you can use him,” Hasselbaink said. He acknowledged that the arrival of new strikers might reduce Jackson’s playing time, but he believes that a top-tier club like Chelsea needs depth in the attacking department.
Hasselbaink also noted that Jackson’s value has increased due to his consistent performances. “If it makes sense for the club to sell them, they will,” he added. However, he stressed that keeping Jackson could be beneficial for the team in the long run.
Christopher Nkunku’s Situation
In contrast to Jackson, Hasselbaink suggested that Nkunku’s time at Chelsea may be coming to an end. He pointed out that Cole Palmer has taken a prominent role in the attacking lineup, making it challenging for Nkunku to secure regular minutes. “He’s got [Cole] Palmer in front of him in his position, so it’s going to be difficult for him,” Hasselbaink said. He believes that Nkunku is looking for a move where he can play more regularly.
When asked about the absence of Jackson and Nkunku in the matchday squad, Maresca remained non-committal. “Both are Chelsea players and we will see what will happen,” he said. His response indicates that the club is still considering its options regarding these players.
Looking Ahead
As Chelsea continues its pre-season preparations, the focus will remain on integrating new signings and assessing the form of existing players. The upcoming matches will provide valuable insights into how the team is shaping up for the new season. With several key decisions looming, the club must balance its immediate needs with long-term planning.
For fans and analysts alike, the next few weeks will be critical in determining the direction of the team. Whether Jackson and Nkunku stay or go, the outcome of these discussions will have a significant impact on Chelsea’s performance in the 2025/26 season.