‘90% done’ – Sources: Chelsea very advanced on second marquee signing
Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Villarreal star Nicolas Jackson, sources have told Football Insider.
A well-placed source with knowledge of the situation has told Football Insider that the Blues’ swoop for the 21-year-old is now “90% done”.
Chelsea have advanced with negotiations very quickly – already moving to agree personal terms with the Senegal international forward.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side must now meet Jackson’s release clause in order to wrap up his arrival – which is believed to be worth around £34million.
The youngster could be the second big arrival at Chelsea in the coming days – with Moises Caicedo also closing in on a Stamford Bridge switch.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (19 June) that the Blues are ready to submit a formal offer for Caicedo this week – with the Londoners already reaching a “verbal understanding” with the midfielder over personal terms.
Jackson enjoyed a scintillating run of form in the second half of the 2022-23 campaign after failing a Bournemouth medical during the January window.
The Cherries had reportedly agreed to sign him for £20million – but the move was scrapped amid concerns about a hamstring injury.
He went on to score nine goals and register two assists in the final eight games of the La Liga season.
Jackson, who has three years left to run on his Villarreal contract, managed 13 goals and five assists in 38 games across all competitions in the 2022-23 campaign.
The 21-year-old can lead the line as well as play effectively on both flanks.
Chelsea will be without European football in the 2023-24 campaign after recording a 12th-place finish last term.
Current forwards Romelu Lukaku, Kai Havertz, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and more have all been linked with a Stamford Bridge exit this summer.
In other news, Chelsea in advanced talks to agree deal despite imminent Premier League ban.