‘Terms agreed’ - Chelsea close to £30m La Liga transfer ahead of Premier League clash with Liverpool

Chelsea have ‘agreed terms’ with Villarreal star Nicolas Jackson ahead of a proposed transfer to Stamford Bridge, according to reports.

The 21-year-old has a release clause just shy of £30m, having first joined the La Liga club in October 2020.

David Ornstein of The Athletic reports Chelsea have agreed terms with the forward who netted 12 times in 26 league games last term, as well as providing four assists.

Jackson was born in Gambia but represents Senegal at international level due to family heritage. He spent his first season at Villarreal on loan at Mirandes, playing 17 times for the club, scoring one goal and claiming one assist.

He then moved into Villarreal’s reserve side, making 27 appearances but is now a regular in the senior side. He has played 47 times, scoring 13 goals and providing six assists.

Ornstein adds Brighton rejected a £60m bid from the Stamford Bridge club for Moises Caicedo to weeks ago. SussexWorld report Brighton are willing to sell the player but not for an ‘unacceptable transfer fee’.

Arsenal were also keen on the player previously but look set to pursue a move for Declan Rice despite reported interest emerging from Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United.

Caicedo’s agent, Manuel Sierra told Sussex World the player is keen to play Champions League football but he will be open to any move this summer. He said: “Let’s see [what happens]. We are open to listen [for all offers].”

Last month, he told LondonWorld: “Moises is very happy playing in the Premier League as he is now, but let’s see what happens in the summer. He is happy [at Brighton] and grateful to them for having given him the chance to fulfil one of his dreams [of playing in the Premier League].

“He wants to play in the best clubs of the world and to keep playing the best competitions of the world like Champions League, World Cup and in my role I’ll try to support him in all what he needs as I try to do with all my players.”

The Blues have drawn a tricky season opener as they will welcome Liverpool to Stamford Bridge on August 3rd. After their clash with the Reds, they face West Ham United on the road on August 19th, followed by newly-promoted Luton Town at home on August 26th.