Chelsea are closing in on a deal to snap up Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian journalist claims that the Blues are ready to trigger the 21-year-old’s €35m (£30m) release clause, with an agreement on a 5+ year contract having also been reached:

🚨🔵 Chelsea have decided to activate the release clause for Nicolas Jackson!

Chelsea are set to pay €35m, discussing installments.

3 more clubs open to pay the clause; so Chelsea will be fast as player wants PL move.

Contract will be long, more than 5 year.

Here we go soon. pic.twitter.com/iCcELeW0TE

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 17, 2023

It appears that the Blues are moving fast as they fear that a move could be hijacked by another club, with at least three other sides pursuing Jackson’s signature.

Who are the other clubs that Romano mentions?

Both West Ham and Tottenham have been suggested as potential suitors for Jackson in recent weeks, while Aston Villa are also reportedly in the mix with his former manager Unai Emery keen on securing the forward’s services.

As the Senegalese international is said to be keen on a move to the Premier League, there is still a danger that one of these teams will attempt to trigger the player’s release clause as well.

What do we know about Jackson?

The striker moved to Spain from Senegal four years ago. He actually made his senior debut for Mirandes during a loan spell in 2020. He then returned to his parent club where he helped the B side gain promotion to the second tier of Spanish football.

Jackson only really established himself as a regular starter for Villarreal’s first team last season. He finished the campaign really strongly, scoring nine goals in his final eight league appearances. That form has clearly attracted Chelsea and a number of other clubs.