Arsenal legend Paul Merson has backed Chelsea attacker Nicolas Jackson to surprise people next season.

Merson believes Jackson doesn’t mess around, adding that the Senegal international is very lively and direct.

Jackson recently joined Chelsea from Villarreal in this summer's transfer window.

“Nicolas Jackson looks like a great player. He is very lively and direct, and he doesn’t mess about. He can score a goal and make a goal as well.

“He has linked up very well with Mudryk so far, and both of them have been very impressive in pre-season.

“I have been very surprised with Nicolas Jackson so far. I know it is only pre-season, but what I have seen has been ample. He is a handful, and I’d definitely say that he is going to surprise people this season,” he said.