ESPN sources report that Chelsea is contemplating whether to activate the €35 million ($38.2 million) release clause in Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson’s contract in the coming days.
The 21-year-old is rumoured to have agreed personal terms on a transfer to Stamford Bridge, and discussions between the clubs are anticipated to advance later this week after Jackson represents Senegal against Brazil on Tuesday.
Given Jackson’s desire to leave, it remains conceivable that Chelsea will attempt to negotiate a lower transfer fee with Villarreal, but the Spanish club would prefer not to sell.
Sources indicate that additional organizations have expressed interest in Jackson. He nearly transferred to Bournemouth in January, but the deal fell through after he suffered a hamstring injury. It is believed that at least one German club is also monitoring the situation.
With Kai Havertz in talks to join Arsenal and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang considered surplus to requirements, new Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is looking to bolster the club’s attacking options. Jackson is capable of playing as a central striker or a winger. Last season, he scored 13 goals in all competitions, but he ended the year in fine form, scoring nine goals in his final eight games.
At the start of July, Chelsea is expected to announce the acquisition of RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku in a deal worth approximately €60 million ($65.5 million).
