Chelsea have signed Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal on a £32m deal.
The Senegalese striker becomes Chelsea’s second summer first-team arrival after the club signed Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig earlier in the transfer window.
According to reports, the Blues paid Villarreal slightly more than his £30.1m release clause as they were eager to secure a deal for him. Jackson has signed an eight-year deal and is expected to lead the club’s attack next season after thriving in La Liga last season.
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Speaking about Jackson, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: “We are excited to welcome Nicolas to Chelsea.
“Jackson is a young player with big potential, as he showcased for Villarreal last season.
“We believe he is ready for this next step in his career and look forward to him working with our new head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, and his Chelsea teammates.”
Jackson has played twice for Senegal. He scored 13 goals last season in a breakthrough campaign at Spanish side Villarreal. The 21-year-old bagged nine goals in his last eight games as the Yellow Submarine finished fifth in the La Liga standings.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s summer clear-out following Todd Boehly’s £600m splurge last season will continue despite the addition of Jackson. The Blues have already parted ways with Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Édouard Mendy, N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Kouilbaly, Cesar Azpilicueta and Mason Mount.
