Paul Merson says Chelsea have completed a piece of business this week that he’s described as “mind-blowing.”

Despite the fact we’ve just had a two-week international break, the news and drama around Stamford Bridge has not let up.

The Chelsea owners are under the spotlight because of a widely reported rift between Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali. Incidentally, many Chelsea fans have taken Boehly’s side in the fallout, but Eghbali’s Clearlake Capital owns a majority shareholding in the club.

On top of that, the Blues announced earlier this week that Nicolas Jackson has signed a contract extension with them.

Paul Merson stunned by Nicolas Jackson contract

Paul Merson has strongly criticised the news that Chelsea’s Jackson has penned a contract extension in west London.

The 23-year-old striker only arrived at the club last summer from Villarreal, but his new deal is now due to expire in 2033.

When reacting to Jackson signing a new Chelsea contract this week, Merson told the Sky Sports News channel (12:14pm, 14 September): “It’s mind-blowing. Mind-blowing. Mind-blowing. No disrespect to the lad, I do like him, but he’s not [Erling] Haaland.

“They need another centre-forward. If they are going to go to the next level, they need another centre-forward. They are putting all their eggs into Jackson, and that’s no disrespect to him. Fair play to his agent, who is getting knighted in a couple of weeks.”

Chelsea put faith in Nicolas Jackson

We suspect most of the fanbase would’ve loved Chelsea to have signed a new frontman in the summer, but the club have started the season again with Jackson as the main No.9.

While we understand Merson’s point about signing a world-class striker, let’s not completely write off Jackson’s potential and current ability.

Jackson has scored two goals in his opening three league matches this season. Plus, he netted 17 goals across all competitions during his debut campaign last year.

The ridiculous long-term deals certainly leave supporters scratching their heads, but Jackson is quite obviously someone Chelsea have massive faith in going forward. It would be great if he proves his doubters wrong!

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