There are question marks about Nicolas Jackson’s long-term future at Chelsea – not because of his latest red card but because so many clubs want to sign a striker this summer. 

Jackson was sent off for a studs-up challenge only four minutes after coming on as a substitute during Chelsea’s 3-1 loss to Flamengo at the Club World Cup on Friday.

The red card, his second in four club games following his dismissal against Newcastle last month, has put his future at Chelsea in the spotlight following the £30m arrival of Liam Delap.

An Italian media outlet says Juventus and Napoli want to sign Jackson, who scored 13 goals in 36 games in all competitions last season, but other clubs are also interested.

Chelsea signed Jackson from Villarreal two years ago for Ksh5.216 billion. Last summer he signed a two-year contract extension which ties him to Chelsea until 2033.

Chelsea have already brought in Delap from Ipswich this summer and may well sign another striker before the end of the transfer window.

Jackson will be suspended for Chelsea’s final Group D game against Esperance on Wednesday at the Club World Cup and FIFA can increase his automatic one-match suspension after they review the incident.

He is also suspended for Chelsea’s opening Premier League game of the season against Crystal Palace after his red card at St James’ Park, which earned him a three-match ban.

The suspensions give Delap the chance to establish himself as Enzo Maresca’s first-choice striker.

Jackson apologised on social media on Friday night, June 20, 2025, for his red card against Flamengo.

“I want to say sorry. To the club, the staff, my team-mates, and all the fans watching, I let you down,” he said on Instagram.

“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 moment in football 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. Sorry, Sorry.”