John Obi Mikel Urges Chelsea to Keep Faith in Nicolas Jackson Despite Exit Rumours

When John Obi Mikel speaks about Chelsea, fans tend to listen. The former midfielder, who spent more than a decade at Stamford Bridge and lifted every major trophy with the club, has now turned his attention to Nicolas Jackson — and his words carry both encouragement and caution.

Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, Mikel admitted he hopes Chelsea keep hold of the young striker, despite speculation over his future.

“I hope he stays because I still think he has a massive part to play this season,” Mikel said. “He’s a fantastic player. The qualities and what he brings to this football club… I think we need that.”

John Obi Mikel on Nicolas Jackson: “I hope he stays because I still think he has a massive part to play this season. He’s a fantastic player , the qualities and what he brings to this football club. I think we need that” (via @obionepodcast)
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— ChelsTransfer (@ChelsTransfer) August 21, 2025

A Player Under Pressure

Jackson arrived at Chelsea last summer from Villarreal in a £32 million deal, touted as one of the most exciting forwards of his generation. His pace, energy, and willingness to run at defenders made him an instant fit for the Premier League. However, like many young players at Stamford Bridge, the Senegalese striker has faced ups and downs.

Last season, he scored 14 goals in all competitions, showing flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency in front of goal. Supporters saw a player with great potential, but at times raw decision-making and composure let him down.

That inconsistency has fueled transfer rumors, with reports linking Chelsea to new strikers and suggesting Jackson could be moved on. But for a club desperate for stability in attack, Mikel believes the solution might already be in the building.

Why Mikel Believes in Jackson

Mikel’s backing isn’t just sentimental. He knows what it takes to succeed at Chelsea, having seen strikers from Didier Drogba to Diego Costa carry the team through difficult moments. In Jackson, he sees qualities that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Jackson ranked among the top 10 Premier League forwards for shots inside the box last season, proof that he consistently gets into dangerous positions. His pressing numbers also stand out — he was one of Chelsea’s hardest-working attackers, often chasing down defenders and starting counter-attacks from the front.

For a team under new head coach Enzo Maresca, who values structured pressing and quick transitions, Jackson’s skill set could be vital. Mikel’s belief reflects that: Jackson might not yet be a finished product, but his attributes match the style Chelsea are trying to build.

The Striker Question at Chelsea

Chelsea’s long-running search for a reliable goalscorer is no secret. Since the departures of Diego Costa and Eden Hazard, the club has struggled to find a consistent source of goals. Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner, Alvaro Morata, and Gonzalo Higuain all came and went without fully solving the issue.

That history explains why many fans are eager for Chelsea to bring in another big-name striker. But selling Jackson now, at just 23, could mean giving up on a player before he has truly settled. Mikel’s comments seem aimed at reminding both fans and the club that patience may be required.

The Season Ahead

With the new Premier League campaign fast approaching, the question is whether Jackson can repay that faith. Pre-season glimpses have shown him working closely with Maresca, and teammates have spoken highly of his professionalism.

If Chelsea can provide him with consistent service — something they often lacked last season — Jackson has the tools to thrive. His movement off the ball is clever, his speed makes him dangerous on the break, and his finishing, while still developing, has shown improvement.

Mikel’s words might resonate most with supporters: Chelsea’s project has been about youth and long-term growth, and Jackson fits that plan. Selling him now might bring short-term funds, but it could cost the club a striker who, with time, could develop into a reliable Premier League goalscorer.

Final Thought

Chelsea have seen great players come and go, but one thing history teaches is that strikers need trust and patience. Didier Drogba’s first season was far from perfect, but he grew into a club legend.

Mikel seems to believe Nicolas Jackson could follow a similar path if given the chance. Whether Chelsea choose patience or the quick fix of the transfer market will be one of the defining stories of their season.