Chelsea transfer news: The Blues have taken a step closer in securing a new centre-forward for Mauricio Pochettino ahead of the 2023/24 campaign

Chelsea have reportedly agreed personal terms with Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson (Image: Aitor Alcalde Colomer)

Chelsea have reportedly agreed personal terms with Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson.

The Blues had opened talks with the Spanish side over a possible move for the 21-year-old earlier this week and have now taken a huge step in adding to Mauricio Pochettino’s frontline.

According to The Athletic, the striker has committed his future to the Blues and the focus will now be on the two clubs negotiating a deal for the Senegal international.

Jackson, who has a €35million (£29.8m) release clause at the Estadio de la Ceramica, will move to Stamford Bridge on the back of an impressive season in La Liga. He scored 12 goals and assisted a further four in 26 games for Villarreal, two less than top-scorer Jose Luis Morales.

Chelsea have been on the lookout for a new centre-forward to try and solve their horrendous record in front of goal from last season. They managed only 38 goals in 38 Premier League games last term – two of the three relegated sides scored more.

As well as a new goalkeeper and midfielder, a new number nine is on the top of Pochettino’s wishlist ahead of his return to England. Jackson’s arrival is not expected to be the only attacking reinforcement this summer, with football.london understand Victor Osimhen and Lautaro Martinez remain on their radar.

Brighton’s Moises Caicedo has been heavily linked with a move to west London, though football.london understands that the club are hesitant that the Ecuadorian could cost roughly £100million.

After missing out on Manuel Ugarte to Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea now seem to have a clear path in signing Caicedo after reports claimed that Arsenal were no longer in the race and were prioritising a move for Declan Rice.

Soucre: football.london