Enzo Maresca confirms plan to sign new striker as Chelsea boss wants competition for under-fire Nicolas Jackson

Chelsea had a great start under Maresca this season as the Blues looked to be a potential challenger for the Premier League title as they sat second in the standings for a good bit of time, outperforming the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City. However, that form has dwindled away in the second half of the season as they have been struggling to find goals, with Cole Palmer and Jackson, who had been the bright spots early in the season, struggling.

Chelsea have been over-reliant on Jackson this season, and with Marc Guiu, who was the only substitute for the striker position, out injured since February, that has further placed more pressure on the Senegal international. Maresca has now revealed that the Blues will go into the summer with the aim of signing a new striker to challenge Jackson.

Speaking to the media, Maresca was asked whether Jackson's development has taken a hit due to lack of competition, the Italian said: “I'm not able to answer now because I don't know the other part, if a number nine was here. For sure, with us, in my personal opinion, he has grown and improved a lot. Now, if another number nine was here is it better for him? I don't know.”

When asked whether he wanted someone to provide competition going forward, he said: "100 per cent."

Despite Chelsea's struggles in the second half of the season, they have qualified for the Europa Conference League final against Real Betis on May 28. The game will be a massive test for Jackson when they take on the challenge as the Blues look to avoid yet another trophyless season.