NEWS. . . BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Chelsea have reached out to Benjamin Sesko and Michael Olise as they look to derail Arsenal and Manchester United’s move plans.
Arsenal were thought to lead the race to sign RB Leipzig striker Sesko, with Mikel Arteta set to bolster his attack this summer.
While the Gunners were back in contention for the Premier League name last season and scored 91 goals (just five fewer than champions Manchester City), the team would gain an advantage with the arrival of a prolific goalscorer, with Bukayo Saka as the top scorer with 16 in 2023. 24. .
Slovenian Sesko wasn’t very prolific last season – he scored 14 goals in 31 league games – but there’s a sense there’s a lot more to come from the 21-year-old.
Sesko, who will be looking to impress Slovenia at Euro 2024, has already indicated that he needs to sign for Arsenal this summer, but the much-loved striker has also attracted interest from Chelsea, the Gunners’ London rivals.
Foot Mercato reports that Chelsea have been in contact with Sesko’s representatives as they work on the signings of new manager Enzo Maresca, who replaced Mauricio Pochettino on the bench at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are also claimed to be in talks with RB Leipzig over a deal as they look to hijack the transfer from Arsenal, as they did with Mykhailo Mudryk in early 2023.
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly will back league-winning manager Maresca in the transfer market and is also said to be a move for Crystal Palace winger Olise.
The 22-year-old scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 19 Premier League games after recovering from a serious hamstring injury last season.
Manchester United have been strongly linked with a move for Olise, however, reports in France imply that Chelsea have also started talks with the Frenchman’s agents and Crystal Palace, who put up at least £60m to be part of tactics with the former Reading star.
Chelsea have great attacking ability within the club, but none, with the exception of Cole Palmer, stood out last season as the Blues struggled to maintain consistency under former coach Pochettino, finishing sixth.
Maresca is reportedly keen to bring Olise to West London as he prepares for the new season and Chelsea’s return to Europe in the Conference League.
To raise more for new signings and comply with benefits and sustainability rules, Chelsea are open to receiving donations for England midfielder Conor Gallagher and £97. 5m failed Romelu Lukaku.
Put us in your feed