Chelsea have a backup plan should Moises Caicedo deal fail

In their quest to strengthen the squad ahead of the upcoming season, Chelsea Football Club has made significant strides in the transfer market.

Newly appointed manager Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly set his sights on Villarreal’s Nicolas Jackson to address the team’s striking issues, while also identifying alternative options to Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.

Last season, Chelsea heavily relied on the versatility of Kai Havertz, but the German international struggled to find the back of the net consistently. Consequently, Havertz’s future at Stamford Bridge is now clouded with uncertainty, as rumors of a potential departure persist.

Additionally, Chelsea faces the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after a disappointing stint at the club. Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku has expressed his desire to be sold during this summer transfer window.

As a result, securing a new striker has become the top priority for Pochettino in his first managerial tenure at the West London club.

While Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has been linked to Chelsea, the club has turned its attention towards Nicolas Jackson due to his €35 million (£29.8m) release clause, making him an appealing and cost-effective option.

According to trusted sources at The Athletic, negotiations between Chelsea and Jackson have progressed well, with the Senegalese forward agreeing to personal terms. Now, the 22-year-old eagerly awaits the completion of the deal between the Premier League giants and Villarreal.

However, Chelsea’s ambitions extend beyond bolstering their attack. The club also seeks to strengthen its midfield options during this transfer window.

Although Chelsea has been keeping tabs on their former academy player Declan Rice, a potential reunion seems unlikely as Arsenal has submitted an £80 million bid for the English midfielder.

In light of the developments with Rice, Chelsea had shifted its focus towards Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, tabling a £60 million bid for the talented Ecuadorian international. Unfortunately, the initial offer was turned down by Brighton two weeks ago.

Undeterred, Chelsea is considering an improved bid for Caicedo, but the club has also identified a shortlist of alternative midfield targets. Among them are Romeo Lavia, Nicolo Barella, Manu Kone, and Sandro Tonali, as Pochettino looks to reinforce the center of the park.

As the summer transfer window progresses, Chelsea’s intentions to reshape their squad become increasingly apparent.

With Mauricio Pochettino at the helm, the Blues aim to solidify their attacking force with the potential acquisition of Nicolas Jackson while also exploring midfield options beyond Moises Caicedo.

Chelsea fans eagerly await further updates as the club continues its pursuit of new signings to bolster their aspirations for the upcoming season.