chelsea Been looking for a striker for years Enzo Maresca A player who can lead the team at the top of the pitch has yet to be found.
There were a number of names linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, but no deals were completed, leaving the Italian with the options already available to him upon arrival.
However, the January transfer window presents the 44-year-old with another opportunity to strengthen his attack and look to build on their start. Premier League The campaign saw them move into the top four.
With 16 games left to play, the Blues will no doubt welcome the attacking reinforcements as it could provide extra firepower which could be crucial in those close games.
As a result, a number of names were mentioned, including one who was also on the radar of another English team ahead of the deadline of just over ten days.
Chelsea set sights on £65m talisman this month
According to reporter Matt Lowe, Chelsea are monitoring developments of Benjamin Sesko A potential deal for the Slovenian is imminent this month.
However, the Blues are not the only side in this hunt; Arsenal look to be ahead in the game after holding talks with his representatives over a move to the Emirates.
Their interest in the 21-year-old RB Leipzig striker is understandable given his performance in the 2024/25 season. Scored 14 goals in 26 appearancesincluding four of seven Champions League appearances.
Others touted the Sesko deal Will cost the club £67mwhich could prove to be a great investment in a player who will provide an immediate impact as well as the potential for future improvement.
He would also provide an excellent alternative to another target while being an upgrade to the players currently plying their trade under Maresca in Bridge.
Why Sesco could be Chelsea’s upgrade over Jackson
Liam Delap besides Has previously been touted as a potential signing He has played for Chelsea in recent months after a breakthrough season at newly promoted Ipswich Town.
The 21-year-old has already scored Eight Premier League appearanceshas impressed as the game time has increased, but it’s unclear whether he will be able to maintain his form or if he will just be a purple patch in front of the goal.
As for the current amulet Nicholas Jacksonwho has rarely been challenged for a starting spot of late, Christopher Nkunku has recently been linked with himself being linked with a move away from west London in the coming weeks.
The Senegalese joined the club in the summer of 2023 and has been Scored 26 goals in 66 appearancesincluding nine goals in the 2024/25 Premier League season – providing a fairly consistent source of goals.
However, he often wastes a lot of clear-cut chances in the final third and the team will need to invest in a new striker if they are to reach the next level under Maresca.
Therefore, although Sesko was previously known as "monsterAnalyst Ben Mattinson says that while his goal and assist totals may be lower, he’s managed to deliver Higher goals per 90 points In the 2024/25 season, his conversion rate and shooting accuracy will be much higher.
How Sesko and Jackson fare so far in the 2024/25 season |
||
---|---|---|
Statistics (per 90 people) |
Sesco |
jackson |
Games played |
No. 17 |
twenty one |
Goals and assists |
10 |
13 |
Goals per 90 minutes |
0.6 |
0.5 |
successful dribbling |
1.4 |
0.9 |
Successful dribbling |
47% |
40% |
aerials win |
2.7 |
0.7 |
aerial success rate |
55% |
32% |
Statistics passed Ford Mob |
In addition, he also Win more aerial balls per 90 pointsachieving a higher aerial success rate, a truly key asset that the Blues desperately crave at the top end of the pitch.
His 6-foot-5 height could make him a perfect fit in Maresca’s system, providing the Italian with an alternative who can win aerial battles and get others involved when they need to attack directly.
A fee of £67m may seem expensive, but given his current talent, experience and potential to improve further, it’s a risk worth taking, ultimately ending their pursuit of a new number nine.
Judging by the numbers so far, Cesco is undoubtedly more talented than Jackson, but is also a more compelling option than Delap, allowing him to play a huge role in guiding the Blues back to the top of the Premier League.