Incoming Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino reportedly identified Senegal international Jackson as a potential solution to Chelsea’s striking issues.
Chelsea relied on Kai Havertz up top for much of last season but the German struggled in front of goal and is now being strongly linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.
With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang set to leave following a disastrous spell in west London and Chelsea keen to sell Romelu Lukaku, Pochettino has made signing a new striker the top priority for his first transfer window in charge.
The Blues have been linked with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen but Jackson, who has a €35million (£29.8m) release clause – is a cheaper option.
According to The Athletic, Jackson has agreed personal terms with Chelsea and is waiting for the Premier League club to complete the deal with Villarreal.
Jackson, 21, scored 12 goals in 26 La Liga appearances last season and has two caps for Senegal, making his international debut at the Qatar World Cup.
Chelsea also intend to sign a new midfielder this summer but could miss out on former academy player Declan Rice, who is the subject of an £80m bid from Arsenal.
Given Rice’s links to the Gunners, Chelsea have been focusing on a deal for Moises Caicedo and The Athletic say a £60m bid was rejected by Brighton two weeks ago.
Chelsea are considering making an improved offer for influential Ecuador international Caicedo but have also identified multiple alternatives to the 21-year-old, including Romeo Lavia, Manu Kone, Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Barella.
Pochettino will hope to see a new midfielder arrive at Stamford Bridge as N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic close in on summer moves.
Kante is set for a move to Saudi Arabia while Kovacic is expected to join Premier League champions Manchester City.
Former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham manager Pochettino is taking over a Chelsea side who finished just 12th in the Premier League last season, closer to the relegation zone than the Champions League places.
MORE : Chelsea respond to Arsenal’s shock for Kai Havertz as European club enter race
MORE : Nigel Reo-Coker predicts West Ham captain Declan Rice’s next club
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