Chelsea have signed Senegal international striker Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal.
The 22-year-old has agreed an eight-year contract to become Chelsea’s second senior signing of the summer transfer window, after Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig.
… Nic Jackson! 💙 pic.twitter.com/IRFcrXnXf6
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 30, 2023
"We are excited to welcome Nicolas to Chelsea," co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley told the club's official website. "He 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 team-mates."
Jackson arrives at Stamford Bridge after four seasons in Spain. He broke into Villarreal’s first team in 2021/22 but it was last season that he really impressed.
In 2022/23, he produced 12 goals and four assists in 26 appearances, also creating 22 chances.
In January Jackson was reportedly close to joining AFC Bournemouth, only for the transfer to fall through.
He put that behind him and ended the season in blistering form, scoring nine goals in eight matches to help Villarreal secure UEFA Europa League qualification.
Jackson will add much-needed firepower to a Chelsea attack that scored only 38 goals last season. Only two players, Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling, managed more than five Premier League goals.
Chelsea fans could get their first glimpse of Jackson in a pre-season friendly against Wrexham in the United States on 19 July.
The Blues will also take part in the Premier League's Summer Series tournament in the US. Their first match is against Brighton & Hove Albion on 22 July.
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Chelsea kick off their 2023/24 Premier League campaign at home to Liverpool on Sunday 13 August.