Chelsea request bid for amazing Jackson rival who could become a £100m star

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Chelsea’s Ongoing Quest to Find a Didier Drogba Successor

For years, Chelsea has been on a mission to uncover a striker who can mirror the legendary Didier Drogba’s impact. The club has brought in various forwards to fill those enormous boots, aiming to replicate the Ivorian’s remarkable legacy.

Diego Costa: The Closest Successor

Among the many signings, Diego Costa stands out as the most successful in this pursuit. During his Chelsea tenure, he played 120 matches, netting 59 goals and contributing 21 assists. Costa’s efforts helped the club secure two Premier League titles and an English League Cup.

However, a new contender has entered the fray. Nicolas Jackson, signed last season from Villarreal for a reported £32 million, is showing glimpses of becoming that player.

Nicolas Jackson’s Record at Chelsea

A Promising First Season

https://x.com/ChelseaFC/status/1848107171063460279

In his debut season, Jackson hit the ground running, making 44 appearances, scoring 17 goals, and providing six assists. He accumulated 3,534 minutes of play, demonstrating his ability to adapt quickly to Chelsea’s attacking setup.

A Red-Hot Start to the Current Campaign

The 23-year-old has carried this momentum into the new season. With 13 appearances, seven goals, and three assists in just 991 minutes, Jackson has cemented his place as a favorite under new manager Enzo Maresca.

In fact, when comparing early career stats, Jackson edges Drogba’s record, scoring 24 goals in his first 57 Chelsea games, compared to Drogba’s 23.

Where Jackson Falls Short

Despite his excellent form, one area Jackson lacks is aerial dominance. This limitation prevents Chelsea from fully utilizing crosses as a method of chance creation.

The Search for a Complementary Striker

To address this gap, Chelsea is actively seeking a striker with a different profile to provide competition for Jackson and add more dimensions to their attack.

Chelsea’s Interest in Evan Ferguson

Potential Signing from Brighton

Reports suggest Chelsea is keen on Brighton’s Evan Ferguson, a forward praised by his former manager Roberto De Zerbi as having “big potential.” Brighton, however, values the striker at around £100 million, making negotiations challenging.

Ferguson’s Performance at Brighton

Ferguson’s record includes 17 goals and five assists in 74 appearances for Brighton. While not as prolific as Jackson, his aerial prowess and ability to win duels set him apart—a skill Chelsea currently lacks in their attacking lineup.

Comparing Jackson and Ferguson

Jackson: A Complete Forward

Jackson excels in all phases of play, from progressing the ball to creating opportunities for teammates, while also being a reliable scorer. This all-around style aligns with Maresca’s tactical preferences, keeping him as Chelsea’s primary option up front.

Ferguson: The Missing Piece

Ferguson, on the other hand, offers greater shot volume and significant aerial strength. These attributes could provide Chelsea with an additional tool to break down compact defenses, making him a valuable complementary option to Jackson.

The Potential Impact of Ferguson’s Arrival

If Chelsea secures Ferguson at a reasonable price, he could elevate the squad by introducing a new skill set. His presence would not only push Jackson to maintain his high standards but also equip Chelsea with varied attacking options for different types of matches.

Chelsea’s pursuit of attacking versatility continues, and the addition of a player like Ferguson could be the key to finally solving the puzzle left by Drogba’s departure. With Jackson thriving and the potential arrival of Ferguson, the Blues could be on the brink of rediscovering their dominance in front of goal.