La Liga ace closing in on Chelsea transfer after passing medical – What will he add to the team?

Nicolas Jackson has reportedly completed his medical at Chelsea ahead of a proposed summer move from Villarreal.

The Senegalese international scored 12 goals in 26 La Liga appearances this past season and came close to joining Bournemouth in the January transfer window but failed a medical because of a hamstring issue. He had finished the 2022-23 campaign by scoring eight goals in as many La Liga games, attracting interest from many clubs including Aston Villa and Everton, but the Blues have won the race for his signature.

According to The Athletic, Chelsea are paying Nicolas Jackson’s release clause of just over €35million, with the player having already agreed to personal terms with the west London club earlier this month.

Jackson will become the second forward to move to Stamford Bridge in a short space of time after the arrival of Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig on Tuesday. The 22-year-old is poised to join Mauricio Pochettino’s side on an eight-year deal.

Nicolas Jackson to Chelsea – What will he add to the team?

Mauricio Pochettino has a massive rebuilding job on his hands after inheriting a Chelsea squad from Frank Lampard that finished a disappointing 12th in the Premier League last season. Following a paltry return of an average a goal, despite the club being stocked with so many attacking talents, Pochettino has made it a priority to bolster his forward options.

The new Chelsea boss has already welcomed the signing of Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig. Nicolas Jackson is set to follow Nkunku to Stamford Bridge soon as Pochettino continues to refresh the club’s forward line.

Jackson joined Villarreal in 2019 and, after progressing through their youth ranks, made his La Liga debut in 2021. The last term proved to be a breakthrough season for the three-cap Senegalese international as he netted 13 goals in 38 games across all competitions.

In Jackson, Pochettino is about to get a versatile forward who is comfortable playing anywhere across the front line. He has been a reliable finisher for Villarreal which is exactly what Chelsea needs next season, someone who can combine well with the likes of Noni Madueke, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling and Nkunku and put the ball in the back of the net.

The Senegalese forward, despite being only 22, could make an immediate impact at Stamford Bridge. He will add goals and creativity to Pochettino’s side, whilst improving the depth of their attacking ranks. The Villarreal starlet is still very young and can grow into a key player for Pochettino over time at Stamford Bridge.

Given how he finished the last season in Spain, Jackson’s confidence will be high going into the new term and will certainly improve Chelsea going forward. All in all, Chelsea are set to land a talented forward with huge potential to unlock in the future.