Chelsea will offer competition to Arsenal for the signing of Benjamin Sesko
The Standard has informed that Chelsea They are 'ready to compete' Arsenal for the signing of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko this summer, with both London teams in a “strong position” to sign the 21-year-old.
Arsenal were initially the favorites for Sesko's transfer and hoped to negotiate his £56m release clause. However, according to the report, Chelsea are willing to hijack Arsenal's attempts to sign Sesko by paying his release fee to sign the striker.
Chelsea are expected to be in the transfer market in search of a striker to add competition to Nicolas Jackson in the final third after he suffered a mixed first campaign after joining from Villarreal last summer.
Victor Osimhen was the Blues' top target but his £110m release clause has proven to be a deterrent, while Brighton's Evan Ferguson is no longer attractive to Chelsea heading into the summer.
Sesko's profile fits the Chelsea project like a sock
Enzo Maresca's appointment as Chelsea manager has been confirmed, meaning the club can start seriously planning their off-season transfer activities.
Given that they struggled in front of goal on several occasions last season, it seems imminent that the west Londoners bring in a consistent goalscorer and Sesko would fit the bill in that regard.
At £56m, he is an affordable option compared to the other options on the transfer market and at just 21 years old, he aligns with Chelsea's plan to build a team full of younger names.
Sesko enjoyed a productive campaign with RB Leipzig, scoring 18 goals in all competitions. He has predatory instincts in the box with great movement off the ball and heading ability.
At almost two meters tall, the Slovenian international also knows how to handle the ball magnificently and play from the deepest areas of the field. Although his passing can improve, he is still young and has shown enormous potential.
Chelsea's willingness to pay Sesko's asking price will be a blow to Arsenal's plans to negotiate the fee. If the Gunners are also willing to activate their release clause, they can maintain the advantage over their rivals.
Mikel ArtetaThe side has achieved a Champions League place for next season, while Chelsea will play two levels below, in the Europa Conference League, meaning Arsenal may remain favorites to sign Sesko this summer.
