Arsenal may reportedly be frontrunners in a transfer race this summer to sign a young striker on the Chelsea wishlist.
The centre-forward position has been a big talking point at both the Emirates Stadium and Stamford Bridge this season.
Kai Havertz has eventually picked up the responsibility to lead the line for Arsenal. In fairness, the 24-year-old attacker’s playing a key role for a Gunners side that is still competing for the league title going into Sunday’s final day. He’s got 13 goals and seven assists during this first year with Arsenal since swapping blue for red.
As for Chelsea, 22-year-old Nicolas Jackson has played as the club’s main No 9 during his first ever year in English football. He’s got better as this season has gone on for the Blues, scoring 17 goals in 43 games across all competitions in total.
So, will a new striker be heading to either of London’s two giant clubs for next season?
Arsenal lead race to sign Bundesliga striker
The Telegraph claims that Arsenal are considering a move this summer to sign Benjamin Sesko from German Bundesliga club RB Leipzig.
It is explained that the 20-year-old centre-forward is among Chelsea’s targets. Manchester United and AC Milan are named as potential suitors, too.
The report says that Arsenal have “strong interest” in bringing Sesko to the Emirates. In fact, rival buyers for the Leipzig centre-forward feel like Mikel Arteta’s Gunners side are in pole position to sign him if they formalise their interest.
Elsewhere, Sky Sports Germany journalist Philipp Hinze reported via X earlier this month Sesko has a release clause in his deal that becomes active this summer. Apparently, it’s currently worth around €65m (£56m).
Should Chelsea ramp up Benjamin Sesko interest?
For certain, Sesko’s one of the most exciting young frontmen in Europe right now.
The quick and powerful striker has 17 goals in 41 appearances this campaign for Leipzig, including a couple of goals in the Champions League.
Described as “very fast” by agent Elvis Basanovic in 2021 (AS), Sesko may be a potential snip for his release clause if he realises his potential.
However, The Chelsea Chronicle would argue that Sesko isn’t the right kind of profile for the Blues right now.
Jackson’s certainly done enough to get another crack at the Bridge next season. Also, it would make much more sense to sign a proven and older forward if the club do want to increase competition at the top end of the pitch.
Chelsea have seen this season you’ll run into obstacles playing a team filled with inexperience in the Premier League.