‘Confidence building’: Chelsea now believe they can sign ‘very fast’ £55m striker this summer – journalist

Journalist Simon Phillips has now stated that Chelsea are confident they can secure one striker if they decide to go that way this summer.

All of last season, it was reported that the Blues were looking to address the number nine role this summer after deciding not to spend ludicrous money on one in the past.

Instead, they chose to bring in Nicolas Jackson, who on the whole enjoyed a very strong debut season in the Premier League.

For this reason, it seems as if they have shied away from a deal for Victor Osimhen, who many thought would be the priority, due to the high transfer fee and player wages.

If the Blues do look to strengthen up top, one name who has been mentioned as a stronger option now is Benjamin Sesko, who has a release clause of around £55m.

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The RB Leipzig man enjoyed a very strong end to the season, and has been previously described as ‘very fast’.

Chelsea confident of signing Benjamin Sesko

Now, Phillips has claimed on his Substack that the Blues are growing in confidence at their ability to beat rivals to that deal.

He said: “Sesko is our preferred choice of striker target right now due to the lower cost and lower agent fees involved. There’s confidence building around this one, but nothing is done or close yet because Arsenal are also keen.

“I’ve also been told that no final decision has been signed off for the new striker yet, but Sesko is up their with the top priorities for that position.”

Arsenal want Sesko

Arsenal are obviously an attractive destination right now, given how close they ran the Premier League title race last season.

However, any player coming in as a striker to the Emirates right now knows that they will be competing for minutes with former Blue Kai Havertz.

Jackson meanwhile will be hoping to prove to the incoming new manager, Enzo Maresca, that he is the man who can be trusted with the lion share of minutes up top this season.