Chelsea have activated the release clause of Senegal youngster, Nicolas Jackson, and are closing in on a deal with the top-rated forward.
Nicolas Jackson has been a top shot and fast-rising youngster that as attracted interests from top clubs in Europe.
According to Fabrizio Romano, about three clubs had wanted to activate Jackson’s release clause at Villarreal before Chelsea hijacked the race and activated the release clause.
Personal terms have been agreed with the player but discussions are ongoing for the payment plan to Villarreal after the £35m release clause was activated.
Jackson is reportedly offered a long-term contract by the Blues believed to be five years or more.
The 21-year-old nearly sealed a deal with another Premier League side, Bournemouth, in January after a breakthrough season with Villarreal before it was thwarted.
He is expected to seal a deal with Chelsea in the coming days.
Who is Nicolas Jackson?
Nicolas Jackson is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for La Liga club Villarreal and Senegal national team.
Born on 20 June, 2001 in Banjul, Gambia, Jackson started his youth career in Tilene before moving to Casa Sports, a Senegalese club, in 2018.
After a brilliant outing with Casa Sports, Jackson joined Villarreal youth in 2019 before making his senior club appearance for the club in 2020, playing for Villarreal reserve team.
He made 27 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals before being loaned to Spanish second division club, Miranda. After a season-long loan move to Miranda, Jackson returned to Villarreal and was drafted into the main team in 2021. He has made 31 appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals.
He began his national team career with Senegal U-20 in 2018 before transitioning to Senegal senior national team in 2022. Jackson has won only two caps with Senegal national team.
Nicolas Jackson style of play
Nicolas Jackson has a huge fan base in Senegal despite his nascent national team career with the team. He is popularly referred to as the ‘Neymar’ of Senegal.
Nicolas Jackson is a threat-carrying striker known for his speed and versatility. He can play as a top striker or attacking midfielder, creating chances for his teammates and can be deployed on either wings as an attacking winger. He is also a good dribbler and perfect playmaker.
The 2022/23 season has been deemed a breakthrough season for Nicolas Jackson. He won the La Liga player of the month of May after a standout performance for Villarreal.
Nicolas Jackson Chelsea chances
Chelsea have a good strength of young midfielders signed last summer by Todd Boehly. The likes of Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk, Carney Chukwuemeka, Dennis Zakaria will be ready for a defining chapter in their Chelsea career next season after a dismal campaign.
Jackson will certainly have to compete for a place in Chelsea’s lineup but his versatility could be a good buffer and edge over competitors.
He could be used as a striker, attacking winger or midfielder.
