Transfer: Chelsea settles for Jackson, identifies players to sign as Caicedo alternatives

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Transfer: Chelsea settles for Jackson, identifies players to sign as Caicedo alternatives

Chelsea has agreed on personal terms with Villarreal’s Nicolas Jackson and also identified four alternatives to Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.

New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino reportedly identified Jackson as a potential solution to the Blues’ striking issues.

Chelsea relied on Kai Havertz for much of last season but the Germany international struggled in front of goal and is now being strongly linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer.

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang set to leave Chelsea following a disastrous spell at the club and Romelu Lukaku also keen to be sold this summer, Pochettino has made signing a new striker the top priority for his first transfer window in charge of the West London club.

Chelsea have been linked with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen but Jackson, who has a €35 million (£29.8m) release clause, is a cheaper option.

According to The Athletic, the Senegalese forward has agreed on personal terms with Chelsea and is now waiting for the Premier League giants to complete the deal with Villarreal.

Meanwhile, Chelsea also intends to sign a new midfielder this summer but could miss out on their former academy player Declan Rice, who is the subject of an £80 million bid from Arsenal.

Given Rice’s links to Arsenal, Chelsea has been focusing on a deal for Caicedo and according to the report, a £60 million bid was rejected by Brighton two weeks ago for the Ecuador international.

Chelsea is considering making an improved offer for Caicedo but has also identified multiple alternatives to the 21-year-old, including Romeo Lavia, Nicolo Barella, Manu Kone and Sandro Tonali.