Tottenham blown out the water by Chelsea over striker deal

By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

21st Jun, 2023 | 7:27am

Revealed: Tottenham blown away by Chelsea in Jackson race - sources

Tottenham are set to fail in their pursuit of Villarreal star Nicolas Jackson with his move to Chelsea now “90% done”, sources have told Football Insider.

Spurs were considering a move for the 22-year-old following his scintillating form at the end of the 2022-23 campaign, but their London rivals have moved quickly to all but seal his signature.

Football Insider revealed on Monday (19 June) that Chelsea have agreed personal terms with the Senegal international forward, and must now meet his release clause of around £34million to wrap up a deal.

Aston Villa and Bournemouth were also interested in striking a deal for Jackson – who is currently away on international duty with his country.

The Cherries had reportedly agreed to sign him for £20million in the January transfer window – but the move was scrapped amid concerns about a hamstring injury.

Jackson went on to overcome his fitness issues to score nine goals and register two assists in the final eight games of the La Liga season.

He managed 13 goals and five assists in 38 games across all competitions in the 2022-23 campaign.

The 22-year-old has three years left to run on his contract with Villarreal.

Football Insider revealed on Monday (19 June) that Ange Postecoglou is keen to add depth to his Tottenham front line – and will pursue a wide forward rather than an out-and-out striker.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Postecoglou and his new recruitment team are keen to add a player with a similar profile to Jackson after losing Lucas Moura and Arnaut Danjuma at the end of the 2022-23 season.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have also confirmed the arrival of RB Leipzig and France forward Christopher Nkunku on a six-year contract.

In other news, major doubt emerges over 26-year-old’s Tottenham future.