'Left the door open' - Chelsea legend backing Joao Pedro to force Nicolas Jackson into summer transfer away from Stamford Bridge after impressing on debut

Pedro’s skill set brings a different dynamic to Chelsea’s attack. Having previously impressed during his stint with Brighton, the 22-year-old is now making a name for himself with the Blues in the Club World Cup. This puts pressure on Jackson, who bagged 13 goals and racked up six assists in 37 appearances in the 2024/25 campaign.

In an interview with Genting Casino, Gallas said: "Pedro’s performance against Fluminense put pressure on Nicolas Jackson. And I think when the season starts, that could cause trouble for his place in the starting XI. When you’re the first choice of your manager for any position, it’s like the door is open and you have been allowed inside. You then want to lock the door behind you, so that nobody else can get in there. And what happened here, is I think Nicolas has left the door open."

Gallas opined that Pedro’s quality is not limited to just operating in wide areas or creating chances; he’s equally dangerous inside the penalty box.

"I saw Joao play for Brighton. He has a real quality, not just outside of the other team’s penalty box but also inside the box. He has shown that already, for Chelsea. And he’s going to give the manager a real headache," he added.

Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is Liam Delap. Though still young and relatively untested at the highest level, he is another forward eager to prove himself. Gallas pointed out that the English striker may soon be pushing for first-team minutes if his progress continues in the same vein.

"They also have Liam Delap, who is young and learning, but will be hungry to prove himself as a striker at a higher level than Ipswich," he said. "We don’t know when, but if he develops like Chelsea want him to, he will also give the manager a headache. But Jackson has definitely left that door wide open now, and he only has himself to blame for that."

Chelsea's clash with PSG on July 13 will not only be an opportunity to capture international glory but also a potential glimpse into the future of the club’s attack. If Pedro continues to shine, it may become increasingly difficult for Jackson to reclaim a consistent spot in the starting XI. In the world of elite football, momentum can shift quickly, and for Jackson, the clock is ticking.