Chelsea hope to complete £30m Nicolas Jackson deal next week

As exclusively revealed by Standard Sport this week, the Blues are working hard on a deal for the 21-year-old after face-to-face negotiations and an agreement over personal terms is near.

Chelsea are acting quickly to secure the Senegal international after he was targeted by both AC Milan and Aston Villa, while the calibre of clubs interested continue to increase after Jackson scored nine goals in his final eight LaLiga games of the season.

Jackson represents a cheaper option than both Napoli star Victor Osimhen and Atalanta youngster Rasmus Hojlund, who remain of interest.

Incoming Mauricio Pochettino has backed club plans to sign a striker, midfielder and goalkeeper this summer.

Talks over signing Jackson remain ongoing alongside negotiations for key midfield target Moises Caicedo. Brighton want close to £100million for the Ecuador international, who has the same agent as Jackson.

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Alternatives like Everton’s Amadou Onana and Southampton’s Romeo Lavia have been discussed but Caicedo is considered the primary option.

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