CHELSEA finally look to be clicking into gear under Mauricio Pochettino.
But they are set to take a hit in January when Nicolas Jackson departs for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Senegal striker, 22, is still finding his feet in England, with three goals in 11 appearances so far for his new club.
But Chelsea have looked a better team with him on the pitch, benefiting greatly from Jackson’s energy and strength in the final third.
And Pochettino will be left wondering how to fill the void when 2024 rolls around.
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However, the Blues are known to be in the market for a new No9.
And Jackson’s departure could simply speed up the process of signing a bonafide hitman.
But who could fill the ace’s boots at Stamford Bridge?
And is there anyone currently at Chelsea capable of stepping up to the plate?
SunSport looks at five potential options for Pochettino’s Blues…
IVAN TONEY (BRENTFORD)
Currently suspended for breaching FA betting rules, the 27-year-old is ready to return with a bang in January.
Toney’s undoubted talent saw him rise from League One to the heights of the Premier League in just two years.
He hit an incredible 20 top-flight goals for Brentford last season, with Thomas Frank’s side clearly missing his presence this term.
And as Toney sets his sights on greater glories, a move to Chelsea could be the ideal situation for both parties.
Should he make the move and hit a rich vein of form, it could also open the door to Toney making a sensational return to England’s squad for Euro 2024.
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DUSAN VLAHOVIC (JUVENTUS)
Strongly linked with the Blues last summer, the 23-year-old certainly has time on his side.
He was the hottest forward in football two years ago after netting 41 goals in just 18 months at Fiorentina.
Vlahovic has failed to hit those same heights at Juventus, netting 27 times in comparison.
But the Serb boasts the physical and technical prowess seen in classic Chelsea strikers like Didier Drogba and Diego Costa.
And if the price is right, Vlahovic could have all the makings of a Blues icon.
BENJAMIN SESKO (RB LEIPZIG)
The 20-year-old announced himself to the European stage with RB Salzburg last season.
Sesko netted 18 times, having already secured a £20million move to Leipzig in August 2022.
He has since bagged five goals in 11 games for his new club.
But reports suggest Leipzig are happy to sell Sesko for a healthy profit.
And should Chelsea be keen to continue their new youth policy, they could have the chance to get one of the best rough diamonds around.
EVAN FERGUSON (BRIGHTON)
Todd Boehly might be reluctant to do more business with Brighton after paying a king’s ransom for Graham Potter, Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez and Moises Caicedo in the past year.
But the Seagulls do boast one of the most promising talents in the Premier League.
Ferguson, who has just turned 19, is already being hailed as the top-flight’s next Harry Kane thanks to his clinical finishing and clear aura.
He has four goals in 11 games this season under Roberto De Zerbi, and looks set to build on last term’s final haul of 10.
But Brighton are likely to charge a fortune to sell Ferguson to Stamford Bridge, while there is also interest from Manchester United and Tottenham.
CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU (CHELSEA)
Spending over £1billion in just three transfer windows does take its toll.
And Chelsea could simply opt to look closer to home when it comes to Jackson’s replacement.
Step forward £52m man Nkunku, 25, who is yet to make a single appearance for his new club after suffering a heartbreaking injury in the final game of pre-season.
Although he’s usually deployed as a secondary striker, Nkunku netted a mind-boggling 58 goals in his final two seasons at RB Leipzig.
He’s set to return to training next month after his lengthy setback, and by January could be in peak physical condition to lead Pochettino’s line on his own.
