Nicolas Jackson, a striker for Villarreal who is 21 years old and has a £30 million release clause, is anticipated to be Chelsea's first summer acquisition. Jackson scored nine goals in his final eight games of the previous season.
Nicolas Jackson of Villarreal and Chelsea are nearing an agreement, 90min can reveal.
Personal conditions have been agreed upon with the 21-year-old international from Senegal, who finished the previous campaign with nine goals in his final eight La Liga games, and negotiations over a transfer fee are currently ongoing with Villarreal.
Jackson's contract has a release clause that is estimated to be worth £30 million, but insiders have told 90min that Chelsea is more likely to agree to an arrangement where they pay in installments rather than all at once. Villarreal is willing to accept this kind of arrangement.
If all goes as planned, Jackson will be Stamford Bridge's first acquisition under Mauricio Pochettino.
Chelsea has previously looked into high-profile moves for players like Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen in addition to the towering forward. But Jackson has been identified as a worthwhile target by the club's new recruitment squad, and negotiations have moved quickly.
Although Chelsea are aware that Napoli's enormous asking price of far over £100 million may prevent a deal from being made, 90min understands that interest in Osimhen is still present.
Jackson will join a youthful striker group that will compete to win Pochettino over throughout preseason. Armando Broja, a recent academy graduate whose season was cut short by a serious knee injury, is returning, while David Datro Fofana, a January addition, is also looking for more time in the senior system.
Kai Havertz's future with the squad is uncertain because both Arsenal and Bayern Munich are eager to make a move. Although Chelsea would want to retain the German on staff, their need for additional funding may force them to sell for the right price, which is estimated to be above £60 million.
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