Report: Chelsea closing in on €35M deal for Villarreal's Nicolas Jackson

Posted Sunday, June 18, 2023 by thescore.com

Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson has agreed to personal terms with Chelsea, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein.

The 21-year-old has a €35-million release clause at El Madrigal, but transfer insider Fabrizio Romano understands there are three more clubs that are willing to meet that fee. Chelsea will need to act fast in negotiations and are discussing the payment structure with Villarreal.

Jackson, who notched 12 goals and four assists over 26 La Liga appearances last season, reportedly wants to move to the Premier League and garnered interest from Southampton and Bournemouth during the January transfer window. Bournemouth pulled out of a deal for Jackson because of concerns over the severity of a hamstring problem he had, according to The Athletic's Ahmed Shooble and Jacob Tanswell.

The Senegalese attacker progressed through Villarreal's academy and made his professional debut in 2021. His first international outing came during the 2022 World Cup when he appeared as a substitute during a group-stage game against the Netherlands, and he's in contention to add more Senegal caps to his collection during June's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.