As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are tracking Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson as a potential signing for this summer.
The Seneglese international is said to be one of many strikers on the London side’s shortlist and is also attracting interest from several other Premier League clubs, as well as top European sides such as AC Milan and RB Leipzig.
Despite only getting two goals and two assists in his previous 18 La Liga appearances, the 21-year-old ended the season on excellent form, accumulting an astounding nine goals and two assists in his final eight games for The Yellow Submarine- helping them achieve fifth place in the league table. Furthermore, according to Opta statistics, the quick and powerful forward had the best shot conversion rate of any player with six or more goals in the Spanish league this season, with 29.3% of his shots resulting in a goal.
In January of this year, the youngster was set to move to then-relegation battling side Bournemouth, for a fee believed to be in the region of €25m. However, due to a hamstring injury which was expected to keep him out until March, The Cherries decided to cut the deal short and pursue other options.
Jackson, who’s contract expires in 2026, is undertsood to have a release clause standing at €35m, just €5m less than his estimated market value of €30m, as per Transfermarkt.
Chelsea’s interest follows reports that they will meet with Champions League runners-up Inter Milan to discuss the future of Romelu Lukaku, with Mauricio Pochettino’s new side looking to offload the Belgian striker, having signed him from the Italian club for a fee of around €115m just two summers ago.
Travis Levison | Get Football
