Chelsea Agree Personal Terms With Villarreal Star, Identify 4 Other Targets

Chelsea Football Club has reached an agreement on personal terms with Villarreal’s forward, Nicolas Jackson, while also identifying four potential alternatives to Moises Caicedo.

Chelsea is actively making strides in the transfer market, aiming to address their striking concerns and reinforce their midfield.

Mauricio Pochettino, the incoming manager of the Blues, has reportedly earmarked Senegalese international Jackson as a viable solution to Chelsea’s striking issues.

Last season, the team heavily relied on Kai Havertz in the forward position, but the German struggled to find the back of the net, leading to strong speculations about his departure from Stamford Bridge.

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s anticipated departure following a disappointing tenure in west London and Chelsea’s keenness to sell Romelu Lukaku, securing a new striker is Pochettino’s primary objective in his inaugural transfer window as manager.

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While Chelsea has been linked with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Jackson, with a release clause of €35 million (£29.8m), presents a more cost-effective option.

Sources from The Athletic indicate that Jackson has agreed to personal terms with Chelsea, awaiting the completion of the deal with Villarreal.

The 21-year-old impressed with his performance last season, netting 12 goals in 26 appearances in La Liga. He also made his international debut for Senegal during the Qatar World Cup, amassing two caps.

In addition to seeking a new striker, Chelsea aims to reinforce their midfield this summer. However, they could face disappointment in their pursuit of former academy player Declan Rice, as Arsenal has tabled an £80 million bid for the talented midfielder.

READ ALSO: Chelsea Set To Use £45m Star To Beat Man Utd To Huge Summer Signing

Consequently, Chelsea has shifted their focus to Moises Caicedo, with a recent £60 million bid rejected by Brighton two weeks ago.

Although the club is considering an improved offer for the influential Ecuadorian international, they have identified several alternative options should negotiations with Caicedo prove unsuccessful.

These alternatives include Romeo Lavia, Manu Kone, Sandro Tonali, and Nicolo Barella.

As Pochettino prepares to take charge at Stamford Bridge, he is eager to reinforce the midfield department given the potential departures of N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic.

READ ALSO: Mauricio Pochettino Makes Decision Over Chelsea’s No. 1 Goalkeeper For Next Season

Kante is set to embark on a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, while Kovacic is expected to join the Premier League champions, Manchester City.

Pochettino, a former manager of Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham, assumes the reins of a Chelsea side that finished a disappointing 12th in the Premier League last season, much closer to the relegation zone than the coveted Champions League places.

With Mauricio Pochettino taking charge, the club hopes to revitalize their fortunes and reclaim a prominent position in the Premier League after a challenging season.