Chelsea are currently engaged in negotiations with Villarreal for the potential signing of forward Nicolas Jackson. The talks revolve around meeting the player’s release clause, which is set at €35m (£29.8m). The discussions also focus on determining the structure of payments and incorporating performance-based incentives into the deal.
Initial discussions with Jackson’s representatives have been positive, indicating that personal terms should not pose a significant obstacle once an agreement is reached. Chelsea is exploring various options in their search for forwards, and the 21-year-old Jackson has emerged as a promising target.
Earlier, Manchester United made an opening bid of £40m for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, but the offer was swiftly rejected by the Blues. The valuation gap between the two clubs is substantial, and United is aware of their budgetary limits. Consequently, they are prepared to explore alternative options if a deal cannot be reached.
Mount, who has one year remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge, reportedly expresses an inclination towards making the move to Manchester United. However, United remains steadfast in their stance not to overpay for the talented 24-year-old as he enters the final year of his current deal. Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo is another player United has shown longstanding interest in, and they maintain a keen interest in any developments regarding his future.
Looking ahead, Chelsea’s fixtures for the upcoming 2023/24 Premier League season have been released. Mauricio Pochettino, the newly appointed manager, will begin his tenure with a home match against Liverpool on Sunday, August 13, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The team will subsequently face London rivals West Ham on August 19, followed by a home match against newly promoted Luton Town on August 26.
Notably, Pochettino will make a return to his former club, Tottenham, on November 4, with the reverse fixture scheduled for February 24. Chelsea faces a challenging period from October to December, where they will encounter Arsenal (home), Brentford (home), Tottenham (away), Manchester City (home), Newcastle (away), Brighton (home), and Manchester United (away).
During the Christmas season, Chelsea’s schedule includes an away match against Wolves on December 23, a home fixture against Crystal Palace on Boxing Day, and a trip to Luton on December 30. The campaign will culminate on May 19 with Chelsea’s final home game against Bournemouth.
