According to reports, Chelsea and Villarreal have begun discussing a transfer for their promising player Nicolas Jackson.
Chelsea will welcome new manager Mauricio Pochettino on July 1 as he attempts to rejuvenate the team ahead of next season.
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The Blues have identified Senegal international Jackson, 21, as a summer target in their quest to strengthen their frontline in preparation for the arrival of new head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Jackson had a scorching season for Villarreal, scoring nine goals in eight La Liga games to draw interest from clubs all around Europe.
Daily Mail reported that this summer, he will likely be bought for roughly £30 million, making him a more affordable option than Napoli attacker Victor Osimhen, who is valued at £100 million.
The Blues have picked the youngster as an alternative to Victor Osimhen of Napoli and here are three reasons why he is a target for Chelsea.
1. Can play across the front line
Jackson has the ability to play across the front line which is a good advantage for Chelsea, unlike Osimhen who is a natural top striker.
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This season, he has been used as a central forward and the 21-year-old scored nine goals in eight games last season.
He can also fill in as a winger when the team is stuck with injury due to the fact that he can play across the front three.
2. Good goal scorer
The youngster is also a good goal scorer and has found the net for Villarreal 12 times in 38 games.
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His ability to position himself for the right pass and to execute the finish is outstanding for a youngster of his age.
The Senegalese showed class last season, helping Villarreal secure European football.
He can bring his goal-scoring ability into Pochettino’s team and convert many of their chances to goals.
3. Good in the air
Jackson is 6 ft 1 which is a good height for a striker making it easy to challenge for area duels with defenders.
In the 2022/2023 season, he has won 56 aerial duels during his short playing time with Villareal which means he wins most of his duels.
A striker, who is an attacking threat aerially can disrupt any defence line and that is the type of presence Chelsea have lacked since the days of Didier Drogba.
His ability on the air is very good and he will be a good asset to the team for a cheaper price than Osimhen.