Chelsea identify Nicolas Jackson alternative in £87m transfer update

are reportedly preparing a move for Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis this summer. There has been speculation regarding incomings at Stamford Bridge over the summer and signing a striker is a priority.

However, football.london understands, there will also need to be players heading for the exit door. The likes of , and , have had limited game time this season and their futures remain uncertain.

While some senior players could depart, loan moves for the younger ones could be explored for the 2025/26 season. In terms of incomings, the Blues have reportedly identified Pavlidis as an option, as Nicolas Jackson has lacked consistency.

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has also had little impact, leaving as the top scorer in the Premier League with 14 goals. According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Pavlidis' goalscoring exploits in Portugal has caught the eye of Chelsea chiefs.

They are said to view him as a player who can provide competition for Jackson in attack. In a debut season for Benfica, Pavlidis has scored 24 goals in 46 games across all competitions. He recently netted a hat-trick against rivals FC Porto in the Eagles' 4-1 victory.

But Chelsea won't be alone in their pursuit of the Greece international with Newcastle United, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid also in the mix for the striker. The report adds that Pavlidis is under contract in Lisbon until 2029 and has an £87million (€100m) release clause.

"It was a very special day for me, but also for the whole team," Pavlidis said after Benfica’s win over Porto. "We played very well. Was this a dream night for me? Yes, you could say that."

Former Wolves boss Bruno Lage also highlighted his importance to the squad. "He has done a lot of important work for us," he said. "‘It is important to have men who score a lot of goals, but in the end, this was mainly a real team effort."