Chelsea close in on first signing of Maurico Pochettino era after agreeing personal terms with Nicolas Jackson

Chelsea are expected to fend off a host of Premier League rivals to make Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson the first signing of the Mauricio Pochettino era.

Personal terms are already in place with the 21-year-old and the Blues as the west Londoners close in on the transfer.

The Senegal international boasts a £30million release clause in his contract, which Chelsea are prepared to activate.

Bournemouth were close to signing the youngster in January, but the deal fell through after the player failed medical tests.

Jackson enjoyed a fine 2022/23 season where he helped the Yellow Submarine finish fifth in the LaLiga table.

He was his side’s leading scorer in the Spanish top-flight having chipped in with 12 goals in 26 matches.

It is believed that Jackson has been identified as the perfect alternative to Napoli marksman Victor Osimhen.

The Nigerian is valued at well over £100m by the Serie A champions, as club president Aurelio De Laurentiis looks to keep the ex-Lille star.

Jackson is likely to be Kai Havertz’s replacement at Stamford Bridge as Arsenal look to sign Germany international Kai Havertz.

talkSPORT understands that the Gunners have had a first bid rejected for the 24-year-old, but remain keen to bring him to the Emirates.

Meanwhile Romelu Lukaku seems set to depart Chelsea after spending the recent campaign on loan at Inter Milan.

Clubs in Saudi Arabia are looking to sign the Belgian, while Inter will hold talks with Chelsea at whether they will turn his temporary stay into a permanent switch.