Enzo Maresca reveals Chelsea transfer plan for Nicolas Jackson as Liam Delap sent clear message

has insisted that he's happy with , describing the player as his 'perfect number nine'. Despite the 23-year-old's impressive performances, ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

Jackson, whose contract at Stamford Bridge expires in June 2033, has featured 25 times in the Premier League this season, scoring nine goals and providing five assists. Playing a key role in Maresca's side, .

The Senegal international has also recently returned from a hamstring injury, which he suffered back in December. struggled in his absence, with .

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The west Londoners have been revitalised by Jackson's presence back in their starting line-up, casting doubt as to whether Maresca even needs a new frontman this summer. Speaking to reporters ahead of Chelsea's clash against Ipswich Town this weekend, .

". We already have a number nine.

"It's not summer now," said Maresca. "If we can have a copy of Nico, it's okay.

"I have said many times, and you can see as well, with Nico we are a better team. Nico is the one we need. Last season, . This season he scored goals until he was injured.

"Now, . We'are happy with Nico. And about next season, it's not the moment [to talk about transfers]."

has been linked with a move to Chelsea on a few occasions this season following his eye-catching displays for Ipswich. football.london understands that - who they've been keeping tabs on since he left Manchester City to join Kieran McKenna's side last summer.

It's understood that, while a move for Delap was considered in the January transfer window, . Maresca worked closely with the England U21s international during their time together at the Etihad Stadium.

Ahead of his reunion with Delap on Sunday afternoon, the Blues manager said: "In terms of numbers, he's doing fantastic. I think he's scored 12 [Premier League] goals already. It's not just in terms of his numbers.

"The way he plays and fights and is always there. But he's an Ipswich player.

"He's an enemy on Sunday, because we need to beat them, and then after the game I wish him all the best for the future."

On the lack of 'traditional' strikers, Maresca said: "To compare Liam with Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, I think it's a bit early. But for sure, in terms of style he's that kind of player.

"They are all real nines. They are all nines inside the box.

"But we also have a good nine [in Nico Jackson]. He's doing well since we started. Unfortunately, we've missed him, and sometimes you need to miss players to realise how important they are for you.

"With Nico, we are a completely different team compared to when he was injured - and we are happy with Nico as our striker."