Enzo Maresca must rip up Chelsea handbrake on player sale amid Barcelona 'talks' plan

Chelsea face some big decisions this summer as they look to strengthen while keeping a relatively balanced spending bill. So far, the Blues have done a pretty good job after the signings of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.

The departures of Noni Madueke and Joao Pedro have helped Chelsea balance the books after a big fine from UEFA due to their spending, while there is a promise of another bigger fine if the Blues don’t manage things better going forward.

Fortunately, Chelsea do have a host of players they can offload to keep their books in check, but there could yet be another big sale to follow the departure of Madueke. Striker Nicolas Jackson is one of the players who has been linked with a move away, with the forward being tipped for an exit despite being one of Chelsea’s most dangerous players in front of goal last season.

Jackson was sent off during a key game against Newcastle United towards the end of the season, and he received another red card during the FIFA Club World Cup final. Those dismissals have led to rumours that Jackson could be sold, but Enzo Maresca has downplayed the factor.

He said during the Club World Cup: “It happened against Newcastle and today. I am not 100% sure it's a red card compared to the Newcastle one. It's a little bit of a bad moment for Nico. The red card has nothing to do with Nico's future... Nico knows in both games it was not good for the team."

Jackson posted on social media after the second red card: "I want to say sorry. To the club, the staff, my team-mates, and all the fans watching, I let you down. Another red card... and honestly, I'm so angry at myself. I work hard every day to help the team not to put us in this kind of situation. I still don't fully understand how it happened.

"But one thing is clear: it wasn't intentional. Just a football moment that went the wrong way. No excuses. I take full responsibility. I'll reflect, I'll grow, and I'll come back stronger for the badge and for everyone who believes in me. Sorry."

Still the rumours have continued to swirl, even with Maresca reportedly happy with a strikers’ room made up of Pedro, Delap and Jackson. According to CaughtOffside, Barcelona are now favourites to secure a deal for Jackson, Barca chief Deco is reportedly set for talks with Chelsea over a possible loan deal with an option to buy.

Though, it’s added that Jackson would prefer to stay in the Premier League if he does have to leave Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, it seems unlikely Chelsea will lose Jackson without receiving an immediate fee, given they would have to replace the striker.

Chelsea must pull up the handbrake on Jackson

Chelsea need to stop the Jackson situation spiralling out of control and quickly. The Blues return for pre-season on August 4, and Maresca should make it clear that he is not considering a Jackson sale in one of his early media addresses. Of course, any player has their price, but Maresca should make it clear he is not seeking to sell the striker.

Jackson is still only 23 years of age, and not only has he shown he can score goals in the Premier League, he has developed significantly during his relatively short time at Stamford Bridge. The red cards are not ideal, but while the proximity of them is unfortunate, it is silly to suggest Jackson is some sort of ill-disciplined striker who loses his temper and becomes a liability.

On these two occasions, perhaps, but Jackson has made 81 appearances and he has only been sent off twice. He admits he has things to learn, but it is ridiculous to suggest his discipline has anything to do with a potential departure. Chelsea now have serious competition for the striker role, and all three can also play out wide. It’s a very good situation for Maresca to have, and he should keep it that way.

Your next Chelsea read, Chelsea hatch 7-player fire sale plan to avoid £52m UEFA fine