Chelsea are looking for a new striker ahead of next season and could rival Arsenal for at least one of their prospects. objectives to strengthen ahead.
The Blues have improved considerably since last season, but still lack a prolific ‘number nine’, with Diego Costa in 2016/17 the last centre-forward to reach 20 Premier League goals.
Nicolas Jackson hit a respectable 14 in 2023/24 and has another nine just over halfway through this campaign. But the Senegalese international has not scored since before Christmas and yes he barely featured during Monday night’s win over Wolves at Stamford Bridge.
The Times points out that Chelsea Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is being ‘considered’ after already speaking to the Serie A giants about the possibility of taking the restless Renato Veiga.
Vlahovic has 12 goals in all competitions so far this season, making him Juve’s top scorer by some distance. But his move to Turin since an €80m move from Fiorentina three years ago has been a roller-coaster ride, while Randal Kolo Muani is expected to join soon on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.
By selling the Serbia international ahead of next season, a cash-conscious Juve could also avoid a contracted wage rise that kicks in from the summer, when he is already their main earner.
arsenal In January 2022, he wanted Vlahovic and lost to Juventus. But while the Gunners have yet to land a suitable striker, The Times adds that they are not chasing him now.
Another striker Arsenal are keen to pursue, however, is Benjamin Sesko. The RB Leipzig leader signed a new long-term contract with a pay rise last summer, but with the understanding that he would be allowed to move on in 2025.
Arsenal’s interest in the Slovenian is well established and in recent days there have been rumors that he could accelerate an approach for him in the face of the loss of Gabriel Jesus due to injury. The problem for them may be that Chelsea are also believed to be keeping an eye on Sesko.
Sky Sport CH writes that the Blues recently initiated contact with RB Leipzig, having been in contact with the player’s representatives, but their intention would be to complete a summer transfer rather than Sesko now moving to London. Leipzig would be sold for a sum of €80m (£68m).
