"I think I can do the same and succeed" - Chelsea star hopes to emulate club legend Didier Drogba

Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has hopes to emulate Blues legend Didier Drogba in his time at the club. The Senegalese striker is in his second year at Stamford Bridge, having joined the club from Villarreal in the summer of 2023.

Jackson first came into the notice of English football when Bournemouth tried to sign him in January 2023. The deal fell through because of a failed medical, and the striker ended up at Chelsea six months later reportedly for £33 million. He scored 14 times in the Premier League in his debut season but was often criticized for missing chances, some of which looked easier to score than miss.

Chelsea turned down an opportunity to sign a new striker in the summer of 2024, instead awarding Nicolas Jackson a new contract with improved wages. The 23-year-old has been in fine form this season, resulting in certain parts of the media likening him to Drogba.

While Jackson has always maintained that he is not even close to Drogba, he has acknowledged that there are some similarities between them. He pointed out that the retired Ivorian striker wanted out of the club after his first season but stayed and became a legend, and that is something he wants to emulate.

He said (via The Big Interview):

"I looked at former Chelsea strikers. Drogba scores 10 [PL goals] in his first season, 12 in the second season. I think it was Costa that scored like 20 in his first season."

"Drogba after the first season wanted to leave, even the players wanted him to leave but he stayed and became a legend. I think I can do the same and succeed," Jackson added.

Nicolas Jackson has already scored eight times in the Premier League this season and is on course to beat his tally from his debut season. The striker is one of the most important players in Enzo Maresca's system, with the coach often praising him in his press conferences.

Still only 23, Jackson has a long way to go, considering that Drogba only moved to the Blues at 25 years of age. The former Villarreal man is developing at an impressive rate and could soon become one of Europe's best frontmen.

---

Chelsea complete signing of son of Ivory Coast legend - Reports

Chelsea have finalised an agreement with Watford for the transfer of teenage sensation Mathis Eboue, son of former Arsenal man Emmanuel Eboue. Fabrizio Romano reports that the Blues have concluded negotiations with the Championship club for the youngster.

Mathis Eboue is a forward who played for Watford and has made three appearances for the England U-16 national team. The 15-year-old has already appeared for the U-21 side of the Hornets despite his age, indicating how highly he is rated at the club.

Eboue's father Emmanuel played alongside former Chelsea stars Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou in the Ivory Coast national team while he played for Arsenal. The youngster becomes the latest addition to the Blues' academy project which continues to deepen.