Jackson’s absence highlights a distinct need for another striker at Chelsea

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After being out through injury, Nicolas Jackson recently returned to the Chelsea starting lineup, only to be sent off at Newcastle in a huge game for the Blues as they aim to secure European football at Stamford Bridge next season. Jackson’s early bath meant Enzo Maresca had very little striker options to bring off the bench, meaning Cole Palmer was deployed as a false nine. In the end, the tactical tweak didn’t work and the Blues lost 2-0 at St James’ Park. 

Since the result, it has been confirmed for many Chelsea fans and experts alike that Nicolas Jackson isn’t the type of striker Chelsea can rely on to deliver the biggest prizes. For the pundits who will inevitably share their title predictions in the summer and any fans who take part in Premier League betting, should Chelsea fail to sign a reliable goal-getter during their pre-season preparations and essentially put their full faith in the former Villarreal man once again, then it’s almost impossible to back the Blues for the title tilt the club’s hierarchy and their fans crave. 

In the past, when the likes of Didier Drogba fired Chelsea to Champions League glory, the Blues had far more of a goal threat. As such, with attention turning to a much-needed summer of incomings and outgoings at the club, Chelsea fans will be hoping to see their transfer budget go towards the signing of a quality striker who can find the back of the net on a more consistent basis than Nicolas Jackson, who has just 10 Premier League goals to his name at the time of writing. 

With a number of strikers reportedly being assessed as we speak, below we look at some interesting names Chelsea could look to sign in the coming months. 

Serhou Guirassy

One of European football’s most prolific strikers in the last two seasons, Serhou Guirassy is arguably Borussia Dortmund’s most prized asset. The Guinea international has built on his 30 goals in 30 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023/24 at Dortmund, scoring 20 goals in the league and finishing just behind Harry Kane in the rankings. With the German giants experiencing a forgettable campaign, Serhou Guirassy could be tempted by a potential move to English football. With a reported release clause in the region of £50-60 million, Chelsea might be tempted to snap up a striker who could easily adapt to life in England. 

Matheus Cunha

Although it seems like a move to Manchester United is on the cards, Matheus Cunha could also join Chelsea if reports are correct. The Blues have been watching him closely, with Wolves’ attacker being widely regarded as one of the standout players in the league this season. With 15 goals and six assists to his name at the time of writing, the former Atletico Madrid man has shown he can be a threat in the competition despite playing for a side further down the table. Cunha would get better service at Chelsea, he’d be able to play in a number of attacking areas given his versatility, and he could really make a difference to an occasionally blunt attack. Should Chelsea secure their place in the Champions League for next season, then Matheus Cunha could opt to join the club over Manchester United. 

If Chelsea are to sign a striker this summer, then they could do a lot worse than opting to pursue a deal for Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap. A club the Blues seemingly have a good relationship with, a move for Delap makes a lot of sense for all parties, especially given the player’s evident desire to remain in the Premier League. Despite playing for a Premier League struggler, the former Manchester City academy star has scored 12 goals and has been watched by scouts all season. Aged 22 and fitting the profile of the type of young and hungry players the club tends to go for since Clearlake Capital came in, Liam Delap could easily end up at Chelsea. 

Ademola Lookman

While Ademola Lookman isn’t an out-and-out striker, he has goals to his game. The former Charlton star is also reportedly attainable this summer, with the Atalanta hero and current African Footballer of the Year reportedly wanting a fresh challenge after falling out with his manager Gian Piero Gasperini on multiple occasions this season. Should Lookman be striving for a return to English football, then Chelsea could be seen as the ideal destination for him to make the move back home. 

Samu Aghehowa

Another exciting young striker the Blues reportedly came close to signing last summer, Samu Aghehowa could be under consideration once again in the coming months. The Porto forward is only 21 and has huge potential, with 18 goals in 28 games to his name this season. The Spaniard also has the physical attributes needed to lead the line for Chelsea, with his sheer size and all-round strength making him a player more than suited to the game in this country. Whether or not Porto will entertain any offers for Samu Aghehowa remains to be seen, but he’s a player Chelsea clearly like. 

Benjamin Sesko

According to reports, RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko is a target for Arsenal, but Chelsea are apparently ahead in the queue. With several targets being identified behind the scenes at the club, Sesko is meant to be near the top of the list given his match-winning performances in German football. The Slovenian international is only 21, he’s dynamic and has an eye for goal, and he’d reportedly be very keen on a move to West London with one of the biggest clubs around. 

Other strikers Chelsea have been linked with includes Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt), Conrad Harder (Sporting CP), Victor Osimhen (Napoli), Marcus Thuram (Juventus), Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP), and Randal Kolo Muani (Paris Saint-Germain).