The Senegal international forward, 24, returns to Stamford Bridge this summer after a season on loan at Bayern Munich, where he scored 11 goals in 34 appearances as backup to Harry Kane. His loan included a £56 million purchase option that the German club chose not to activate, meaning he reverts to Chelsea as a contracted player.
Chelsea are expected to open talks with Jackson's representatives within the next fortnight. Three outcomes remain possible: a return to the first-team squad under Alonso, another loan, or a permanent sale. What Jackson will not accept, according to those close to him, is what he endured under Enzo Maresca — used sparingly, then shipped out when the club signed both Liam Delap and João Pedro in the same summer.
The dynamics at Stamford Bridge have shifted considerably since then. Delap, signed from Ipswich Town for £30 million, managed just one Premier League goal in an injury-hit season before Alonso's arrival accelerated plans for his sale. Pedro was outstanding — Chelsea's Player of the Year and top scorer — but prefers operating from the edge of the box rather than as a penalty area striker, a distinction the club's players and staff noted throughout the season.
Alonso, appointed on a four-year deal after Liam Rosenior was dismissed, is understood to be evaluating his striker options before making a decision on Jackson. His 3-4-2-1 system at Bayer Leverkusen was built around a mobile, physically imposing centre-forward willing to press aggressively from the front — a profile Jackson fits considerably better than Delap.
The decision ultimately rests with Alonso. Chelsea have other options in consideration, including Emanuel Emegha from sister club Strasbourg, while interest in Jackson from clubs in Italy and the Premier League means an exit is viable if the manager decides not to build around him.
What Jackson will not do is accept another season as secondary cover. He said as much when he left — and nothing about his time at Bayern, where he performed well in a limited role, has changed that fundamental position.