Chelsea eye ambitious Nicolas Jackson swap deal

Chelsea have reportedly identified Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo as a possible transfer target following news that Levi Colwill could miss the entire 2025-26 season with an ACL injury.

The England international picked up the injury during Chelsea’s first pre-season training session on Monday and he is now on the road to recovering after successfully undergoing surgery.

The Daily Mail have revealed that Enzo Maresca’s side could sign a new central defender before the end of Transfer Deadline Day due to Colwill’s injury, and links with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi have subsequently followed.

However, Spanish outlet Fichajes claim that Araujo is also on Chelsea’s radar.

The Uruguay international has been promoted to Barcelona’s temporary club captain after Marc-Andre ter Stegen was stripped of the role over a medical dispute, but Fichajes state that Hansi Flick’s side will consider a sale if they receive an offer worth €50 million.

Araujo has reportedly been discussed as a potential option by the Chelsea hierarchy and the west London giants view him as a suitable candidate to replace Colwill.

Nicolas Jackson swap deal

If Chelsea decide to lodge a serious approach for Araujo, they could potentially use Nicolas Jackson in the deal.

The Senegal international is expected to leave Stamford Bridge on a permanent deal this summer, following the signings of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, and Fichajes indicate that Barcelona are among the clubs interested in purchasing him.

The Blaugrana are in the market for a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski and a swap deal involving Jackson and Araujo could therefore potentially be on the cards – if reports are to be believed.

However, Jackson is also wanted by the likes of Bayern Munich, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, while several clubs in Italy are likely to pursue a deal if Chelsea lower their current asking price of €90m.

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