Mikel Obi Sends Urgent Message to Nicolas Jackson Over Future at Chelsea
- Mikel Obi has urged Nicolas Jackson to stay at English Premier League club Chelsea amid rumours of a potential departure
- Chelsea have bolstered their attack by signing Liam Delap for £30million and Joao Pedro for £60million this summer
- Mikel believes Jackson still has a significant role to play if he embraces the competition brought by the new signings
Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has sent a message to Nicolas Jackson amid rumours that the Senegalese striker is set to leave Stamford Bridge.
Mikel, who won 11 trophies during his 11-year tenure at the club, has been a vocal critic of the striker's performances, particularly his inconsistent finishing.
The Nigerian legend was unimpressed with Jackson, especially for his performance during their 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the early stages of last season.
Source: Getty Images
A disappointed Mikel said via GiveMeSport:
"You need a striker who knows how to hit a ball in the back of the net. That’s what we don’t have."
After he found the back of the net against Wolves, the Senegalese international delivered a fierce response on Instagram, saying "shut your mouth".
Despite their public feud, Mikel later praised the forward's improvement, particularly after a brace against West Ham, but maintained Chelsea needed a more clinical forward to compete for titles.
The London club have been busy in the summer transfer window and they have completed the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for £30million and Joao Pedro from Brighton for £60million.
Delap made an immediate impact as he scored his first goal for the English giants against ES Tunis in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Pedro, on the other hand, made an incredible start, netting two sensational goals against Fluminense to secure a 2-0 semi-final win.
Mikel urges Jackson to stay at Chelsea
These signings have intensified competition in the Chelsea attack, but Mikel has urged Jackson to remain at the club, saying the 24-year-old is needed. Mikel said via the ObiOne Podcast:
"I think now everybody can see what I've been saying all along, that all we need is competition. It pushed everybody to do...to take your games to the next level. It's about competition.
"You win tournaments, you win games by having competition in the team, and I've said that so many times and now we've seen that.
"I'm happy that the club has brought in two strikers, and I'm hearing Nicolas Jackson wants to leave.
"I hope he stays because I still think he has a massive part to play this season, going forward. I've said it, he's a fantastic player.
"The quality he brings to the football club, I think we need that. If he stays, I'll be very happy."
Source: Getty Images
Chelsea risk UEFA ban
Legit.ng earlier reported that Chelsea face a race against time to make sales or risk a UEFA ban for the registration of their new signings for the Champions League this season.
The Blues returned to the Champions League after finishing fourth in the Premier League last season following a two-year absence from the competition.
Source: Legit.ng
