Chelsea have set their sights on signing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in the summer, according to a Milanlive report.
The 20-year-old's performances in the Bundesliga have been impressive, with the young forward scoring nine goals for Leipzig in all competitions this season, despite playing second fiddle to starting striker Lois Openda.
The Blues have put 195cm on their radar, but face competition from Serie A heavyweights AC Milan, who are also following the progress of the Slovenian International Championship.
However, the report reveals that Les Bleus have made a “sudden insertion” and are ready to battle with the Serie A heavyweights for the young centre-forward at the end of the season.
Mauricio Pochettino will look for a new profile in the attacking department this summer, as Chelsea need something different to current strikers Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku.
Signing a forward is a priority
The priority for the west London club remains Napoli centre-forward Victor Osimhen, who has a €130m (£111m) release clause. However, the Nigerian international is also being courted by other clubs and Chelsea's failure to qualify for next season. Champions League could play a role in Osimhen's decision to move elsewhere.
Sesko could therefore emerge as a more realistic target. He has a contract at the Red Bull Arena until June 2028 and Milan live reports that the Slovenian forward has a release clause of £42m.
Following the loan of Armando Broja to Fulham, Chelsea now have Nicolas Jackson as the only recognizable center forward in the squad.
The Senegalese striker has been on a goalless streak since the November international break, while Christopher Nkunku has been battling minor injuries since his arrival.
The Blues need a recognizable centre-forward who is also lethal in front of goal and Sesko certainly fits that mould.
Meeting Sesko's release clause may not be a problem for big-spending Chelsea, the problem lies in convincing the youngster to join the club instead of Milan, who are in a more stable position.
