“I want Chelsea move” – £65m striker who scored 21goals last season would love to join Chelsea instead after Benjamin Sesko twist
After Chelsea’s unsuccessful attempt to sign RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, the club would welcome the arrival of a £65 million attacker this summer.
Sesko signs a new contract with RB Leipzig, thus Chelsea loses out.
This summer, Enzo Maresca is looking for a new center-forward, and Chelsea played a significant role in the competition to convince Sesko to give the Italian what he wants.
According to Fabrizio Romano, offers for the Slovenian international, who scored eighteen goals for Leipzig in all competitions last season, came from the Blues, Arsenal, and Manchester United. Another alluring lure was his £55 million release clause, since goal scorers are frequently in high demand.
“The first step has to be to inform RB Leipzig of his future at the club. Leipzig presented an important contract to Sesko to be the star of the squad with an improved salary and big money,” said Romano on the Here we Go podcast last week (via football.london).
“He has to decide whether he wants to be the superstar of Leipzig for one more season or to leave in 2025. He has already said no to two big proposals for €30 million (£26 million) per season salary in Saudi Arabia, so he was not attracted by the possibility.
“He has three proposals from the Premier League – Manchester United, Chelsea & Arsenal – these three clubs have already approached Sesko and presented their project. They want him so now it’s basically on the player.”
Fast-forward to now, and Sesko has made his decision. As shared by Romano again, Sesko has chosen to remain at Leipzig and will put pen to paper on an improved new contract with the Bundesliga side.
It is now back to the drawing board for Chelsea transfer chiefs, who still aim to bring in a prolific new forward. Mauricio Pochettino was heavily reliant on the likes of Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson for his goalscoring output last season, with Maresca looking to finally bring in a talismanic new option who can lead the line.
Chelsea are targeting Girona and Ukraine star Artem Dovbyk as a Sesko alternative, but they’ve now added one of their former stars to their transfer shortlist as well.
Dominic Solanke shortlisted and would welcome Chelsea move
As per GiveMeSport, the player in question is Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke – coming after he bagged 21 goals in all competitions last season.
Solanke would apparently welcome a return to Chelsea, and his contract includes a £65 million release clause which would allow Todd Boehly to bypass negotiations with Bournemouth.
The Englisman is one of many names they’re considering, but Solanke has at least opened the door for Chelsea to approach him.