Enzo Maresca names his 'perfect striker' with Liam Delap verdict

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has insisted there is no striker better suited to his style of play than current starter Nicolas Jackson.

The Blues have been on the hunt for a new striker for over a year now and failed with a summer approach for Napoli's Victor Osimhen last year, allowing Jackson to remain the starting option for the 2024/25 season.

With nine goals and five assists to his name and a clear positive impact on team performance, Jackson is thought to have forced Chelsea to change their stance on signing a striker. Rather than splash out on a new superstar, the plan instead is now to find a younger deputy who can dovetail with the Senegal international.

Asked what his perfect summer signing would be, Maresca insisted: "My perfect number 9 is exactly Nico Jackson. We already have a number 9. It's not summer now.

"If we can have a copy of Nico, it's okay. I have said many times, with Nico we are a better team. Nico is the one we need. Last season, he scored goals without penalties. This season he scored goals until he was injured. Now, hopefully, he can score more goals without penalties. We are happy with Nico. And about next season, it's not the moment [to discuss transfers]."

Among those under consideration this summer is Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap. The 22-year-old, whose contract includes a £30m relegation release clause, worked with Maresca in the Manchester City academy and has caught the manager's eye again this season.

"In terms of numbers, he's doing fantastic," Maresca said of Delap. "I think he's scored 12 [Premier League] goals already.

"It's not just in terms of his numbers - the way he plays and fights and is always there. But he's an Ipswich player. He's an enemy on Sunday because we need to beat them, and then after the game I wish him all the best for the future.

"In the first game, he was quite good for them. We need to deal with that, and we need to do much, much better compared to the first game.

"To compare Liam with Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, I think it's a bit early. But for sure, in terms of style, he's that kind of player. They are all real 9s. They are 9s inside the box.

"But we also have a good 9. [Jackson] is doing well since we started. Unfortunately, we've missed him, and sometimes you need to miss players to realise how important they are for you. With Nico, we are a completely different team compared to when he was injured. We are happy with Nico as our striker."

READ THE LATEST CHELSEA NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP