Terrible News Hits Chelsea’s ‘Next Kai Havertz’: The Club’s Five-Match Winless Streak Creates a Dilemma for Enzo Maresca, With Jackson Tipped for Potential January Exit

Chelsea’s forward Nicolas Jackson, once dubbed the club’s next big talent, has drawn comparisons to former player Kai Havertz after the Blues’ latest setback in the Premier League. In a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on Tuesday night, Chelsea extended their winless streak to five matches, leaving manager Enzo Maresca with a growing dilemma regarding the team’s attacking options.

Jackson, who has been one of the brighter performers this season, found himself in the spotlight after a string of missed opportunities against Bournemouth. The 22-year-old, who has scored nine goals this season, failed to find the net after Chelsea’s last league victory over Brentford on December 15. Despite providing an assist for Cole Palmer’s opener at Stamford Bridge, Jackson squandered several chances, including a key effort sent over the bar and a rebound that hit the side-netting.

His performance, despite being part of an important team draw, raised concerns. Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley was quick to address these issues, comparing Jackson’s struggles to that of Havertz’s time at the club. Burley suggested that Jackson’s inconsistency might hinder Chelsea’s progress, and that Maresca could benefit from having a more reliable striker as the main option upfront.

“There’s been more good than bad from Nicolas Jackson this season,” Burley told ESPN. “But I see him as a player—similar to Kai Havertz at Arsenal—who would be better suited to coming off the bench or playing in cup games. You need a top No.9, and then you can have Jackson as a secondary option. He’s had a decent season, but I’m sure Enzo Maresca will need to strengthen that position moving forward.”

Havertz, now at Arsenal, has faced similar criticism for his inability to consistently find the back of the net. Despite the high hopes placed on him when he moved to the Emirates for £65 million, Havertz’s struggles have been notable. His time at Chelsea was marked by flashes of brilliance, such as his winning goal in the 2020 Champions League final, but he ended his tenure with just 32 goals in 139 appearances. This inconsistency has continued at Arsenal, where he missed a critical chance in the League Cup against Newcastle and had a penalty saved in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.

The comparison between Jackson and Havertz raises questions about the forward’s future at Chelsea. The club is reportedly targeting potential reinforcements for their attack, with Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel being linked as a possible acquisition. Burley, while acknowledging Jackson’s improvement since last season, expressed doubt that the young forward would ever live up to the “next Didier Drogba” status that some had hoped for.

“At one point, they might have thought Christopher Nkunku would fill that role, but that doesn’t seem to be the case,” Burley continued. “Maybe they’ll look to address it again. The top teams challenging for titles all have an elite forward, while Nicolas Jackson is just okay.”

The need for a clinical striker has become even more evident as Chelsea’s current attacking options remain inconsistent. While Cole Palmer has been a standout performer, scoring 14 goals in the Premier League, the Blues have struggled to find consistent scoring from other areas. Winger Noni Madueke, for example, is the third-highest scorer with only five goals.

Chelsea’s prolonged winless run has raised further concerns for Maresca. As the team sits in fourth place in the league, there is a growing sense that they are lacking the firepower needed to challenge for the top spots. While Jackson has shown potential at times, his failure to convert key chances could be costing Chelsea valuable points in crucial matches.

With Chelsea now facing the prospect of a difficult January transfer window, the club will likely need to address their attacking options. Maresca has already been under pressure due to the team’s inability to break their winless streak, and many are calling for a more reliable striker to lead the line. If Jackson does not improve his consistency, he could find himself facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.

Jackson’s situation also brings into focus the importance of Chelsea’s wider squad strategy. While their attack has been somewhat underwhelming, other areas of the team have been performing well. However, as Burley noted, the lack of a top-tier striker could limit Chelsea’s ambitions to challenge for major trophies this season.

Chelsea’s pursuit of a more clinical forward could signal a shift in their attacking philosophy. Jackson’s development will be closely monitored over the next few months as Maresca evaluates whether the young forward can step up or if the club will need to move on in search of a more proven goal-scorer.

The January transfer window promises to be a critical one for Chelsea, with several key decisions to be made. If the club does look to bring in a more experienced striker, it could signal the end of Jackson’s time as the focal point of Chelsea’s attack. The pressure will be on both Jackson and Maresca to deliver results in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, Jackson will have the chance to prove himself in the upcoming matches. If he can shake off his recent misses and regain his form, he might just retain his place in Chelsea’s starting lineup. However, with the club’s attacking issues becoming more apparent, the need for a clinical forward remains a top priority.

For now, Chelsea’s winless streak remains an ongoing challenge, and Jackson’s performance could play a pivotal role in whether the Blues can get back on track in the second half of the season. As Maresca continues to assess his squad, all eyes will be on the forward as he looks to regain his confidence and deliver the goals Chelsea so desperately need.