Chelsea transfer news

CHELSEA star Nicolas Jackson is aiming to fire the Blues to glory this season – just six years after he was playing BAREFOOT football.That was back in Senegal, where he grew up with his mother working night and day on a farm to make ends meet.
Nicolas Jackson has scored four goals in his last two Chelsea matchesCredit: Getty
The star was playing barefoot in the street just six years agoCredit: Alamy
These days it is Jackson that is providing for his family after he penned a whopping eight-year deal with the Blues this summer after signing for £32m.
After a tricky start to life in the Premier League, the 22-year-old forward has scored four goals in his last two matches.
But being Chelsea’s main striker seemed a lifetime away back in 2017 as Jackson’s footballing fairytale began without him even owning a pair of boots.
And that led to him honing his skills by playing against his mates without any shoes on after he had dropped out of school.
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He told The Telegraph: “In Ziguinchor, it was playing on the streets, playing with your friends only.
“No club, just playing because you love the game. Maybe playing, one euro each, against each other.
“Having fun, playing without boots. Just barefoot or maybe you borrow someone’s boots to play.”
He was signed by Casa Sports in his homeland before Spanish side Villarreal swooped to bring him to Spain in 2017.
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Jackson was initially part of their B side, and had a loan at minnows Mirandes, before he finally earned his chance in the big time.
He made his LaLiga debut as substitute in October 2021 – but he had to wait almost a year for his first goal.
Jackson’s first top-flight strike came in a 3-0 win at Real Valladolid in August 2022, and that proved to be a key moment for the four-capped Senegal international.
He went on to score 13 times in total last season, inbetween a failed transfer due to failing a medical in January, to catch the eye of Chelsea.
Jackson’s Premier League dream move then came true – but he initially found things difficult out on the pitch this term under Mauricio Pochettino.
He only scored three times, twice in the league, in his first 13 appearances for the WEst London club.
Now both he, Pochettino and Blues supporters everywhere are hoping that he has now found top gear.
Jackson grabbed a hat-trick in the 4-1 win at Tottenham earlier this month before following that up with another goal in the pulsating 4-4 draw with Manchester City that followed.
He will be looking to continue his red-hot streak when Chelsea travel to Newcastle United this afternoon – only this time he will be wearing his Nike sponsored Mercurial Superfly 9’s on his feet. More

PAUL MERSON has told Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino that he must stick with three stars for their upcoming trip to Newcastle this weekend.Chelsea go into the game off the back of a thrilling 4-4 draw with Manchester City before the international break.
Paul Merson has urged Pochettino to stick with the same front three against NewcastleCredit: Sky Sports
Pochettino has seen results improve for Chelsea in recent weeksCredit: Rex
Starlet Cole Palmer continued his excellent run of form when his penalty earned Chelsea a point at the death against the Premier League champions.
And Merson has called on Pochettino not to mess with a successful formula – particularly in regard to the front three.
Writing in his column in Sportskeeda, Merson said: “This is going to be another huge game.
“It’s one of those games where the result will be dictated by the availability of players. If Chelsea can get through the first 30 minutes without getting conceding a goal, this could be an extremely interesting encounter.
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“Chelsea are starting to adapt to Pochettino’s style. They are able to give any side a run for their money at this point. I think Chelsea have to stick with Nicolas Jackson, Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer in attack.
Pochettino will be tempted to include £52million summer signing Christopher Nkunku, who is fit again for the first time this season – but he’ll have to make do with a spot from the bench according to Merson.
Merson continued: “Sterling and Palmer have been in great form and they will be key here once again. Chelsea’s team, at the moment, is starting to pick itself and it’s a good thing. Earlier, we used to sit around wondering how they were going to line up.
“But that’s changed now. Despite all that, Newcastle at home are always up for any challenge and I see this game ending in a draw. Predicted scoreline, Newcastle United 1-1 Chelsea.”
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Nkunku would have been expected to come in for Jackson, but he too has found his shooting boots after a difficult start to the season.
The Senegalese star netted a hat-trick against rivals Tottenham before scoring in the 4-4 draw with City.
Newcastle come into the game with a mounting injury list with Callum Wilson the latest player to be ruled out – Kieran Trippier is available after pulling out of the England squad, however.
Alexander Isak is back from injury and could start against The Blues. More