Chelsea 'agree new nine-year contract' with key starter

Chelsea are on the cusp of tying striker Nicolas Jackson down to a new contract, manager Enzo Maresca has revealed.

The 23-year-old signed an eight-year contract when he joined last summer ahead of netting 14 goals in his first Premier League season. Jackson also has two in his last two games, but still finds himself under immense pressure from rival fans as he continues to work on his consistency.

After Sunday's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, manager Enzo Maresca reaffirmed his faith in Jackson and confirmed the striker is close to extending his contract.

"The only thing I know is he's signing a new contract - I don't know how many years," Maresca told the media.

"I'm very happy. Nicolas is doing a fantastic job with us. He scored again. He had more chances but we're happy with him."

According to The Athletic, Jackson's new contract will run until 2033, with Chelsea keen to reward the Senegal international for his impressive performances since moving to Stamford Bridge last year.

Perhaps contributing to the pressure on Jackson's shoulders was Chelsea's well-publicised pursuit of a new striker during the summer transfer window. The Blues held exploratory talks with Ivan Toney but were trying to convince Victor Osimhen to join from Napoli until the final moments of the window.

"I had faith, and the club also, even before [in Jackson]," Maresca said of the club's transfer business. "We trust Nicolas. When the transfer window was open, I said he was doing fantastic with us.

"We want players but we wanted a player that we decide. It has to be on our conditions. If a player is not here then it was not. We will see in January."

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