Chelsea address goal shortage with Nicolas Jackson signing from Villarreal

Chelsea signed Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal on Friday in an attempt to fix their misfiring front line.

The Senegalese international joins in a deal worth around €37 million, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano. He signed an eight-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea scored just 38 goals during the 2022-23 Premier League campaign, which was 10 fewer than Leeds United and 13 adrift of Leicester City's tally. Both of those teams were relegated.

"We are excited to welcome Nicolas to Chelsea. He is a young player with big potential, as he showcased for Villarreal last season," co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said in the news release.

Jackson, 21, scored 12 goals and provided four assists over 26 La Liga appearances last season. Bournemouth were reportedly competing with Southampton for his signature in January but ended their pursuit due to concerns over the severity of a hamstring problem he had.

Jackson earned his second and third caps for Senegal during June's international window. He made his debut for the Lions of Teranga as a substitute during a 2022 World Cup group-stage game against the Netherlands.

He's the club's second summer arrival after Christopher Nkunku amid a transfer window largely defined by outgoing deals. Kai Havertz, Kalidou Koulibaly, Mateo Kovacic, N'Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have all left, and more departures are expected.