Paul Merson says Chelsea erred selling Nicolas Jackson, who boosted Cole Palmer
Paul Merson, Arsenal legend, stated in his Sportskeeda column that Chelsea made a mistake by sending striker Nicolas Jackson on loan to Bayern Munich last summer, arguing Jackson was the player who brought out the best in Cole Palmer's form. Jackson's loan move coincided with Chelsea signing Liam Delap, who has struggled to make an impact at Stamford Bridge; Merson believes Chelsea's decision to replace Jackson with Delap has hindered Palmer's performance and indicates the club needs a summer rebuild. Chelsea faces Liverpool in a Premier League match on Saturday, May 10, 2026, and Merson's critique adds to growing pressure on the club's management to reconsider their transfer strategy, especially as Palmer continues to show promise but lacks a compatible striker. If Chelsea targets a striker like Nicolas Jackson next transfer window, could that unlock Palmer's full potential and improve the team's title chances, or should Nigerian fans expect further squad overhaul this summer?