Chelsea have now expressed “concrete interest” in signing an “amazing” striker, who could have a release clause of around £66m this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.
Maresca’s striker search
Enzo Maresca praised Nicolas Jackson for his contribution in front of goal back in January, saying: “He has already scored nine goals and last year he scored 14, so he’s on course to score more goals than he scored last year. Hopefully he can score more goals, he can help us, but we are completely happy with Nico.”
However, the 23-year-old has failed to score this calendar year, and Christopher Nkunku hasn’t exactly been prolific since Jackson was sidelined with injury, despite breaking his nine-game goal drought in the Premier League against Southampton last time out.
As such, the Blues look set to pursue a new striker in the summer transfer window, and they have been linked with moves for a number of exciting options, including Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.
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The Blues’ boss has set his sights on a new signing ahead of the summer transfer window.
However, Isak’s huge asking price could pose a problem, and the west Londoners have struggled to get a deal for Osimhen over the line in the past, so they have also identified other alternative targets.
According to Plettenberg, in a recent update on X, Chelsea have now “expressed concrete interest” in signing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, who has now been confirmed to have a release clause included in his contract.
The release clause may rise to €80m (£66m) by the end of the campaign, at which point a number of Premier League clubs could make moves, with Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur also keen, although the latter club have “little chance” of winning the race.
“Amazing” Sesko impressing in Germany
The Slovenian striker is averaging a goal every other game with RB Leipzig this season, netting 17 goals in 34 games in all competitions, including four in the Champions League prior to his side’s exit.
As such, the Leipzig star is just one goal away from matching his goal tally from last season, showing signs of development, having regularly been amongst the goals since making his breakthrough with RB Salzburg.
Not only is the 6-foot-5 forward a goal threat, but he is also imposing physically, as pointed out by Matej Orazem, the sporting director of NK Domzale, who Sesko played for at youth level.
“The physicality was the defining factor. He was amazing. With some young talents, you want them to play with the older guys but if they are not physically ready then you are a little more wary. With Beny, there was no doubt because of his physical presence.”
Sesko’s goal record, coupled with his physical presence, indicates he could be a fantastic signing for Chelsea this summer, at which point it is evident Maresca will need to sign a top striker, given Jackson and Nkunku’s struggles.
