Chelsea and Arsenal are hoping to land the next Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Image: Getty)
Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku’s proposed move to Manchester United could be the key for the Blues to beat Arsenal to Benjamin Sesko. Both Chelsea and Arsenal have been strongly linked with Sesko ahead of the February 3 transfer deadline.
A deal for Nkunku to join United from Chelsea would raise significant funds and vacate a place for a new forward at Stamford Bridge. Enzo Maresca could benefit from an upgrade in that position, where Nicolas Jackson’s inconsistency has sometimes been a source of frustration for supporters.
Article continues belowADVERTISEMENT
Jackson has not scored in his last seven Premier League matches. Each of his nine top-flight goals came in his first 16 appearances of the campaign.
Sesko has reportedly been identified by Chelsea as they discuss signing a new striker internally. According to Football.London, the Blues hierarchy are fans of the RB Leipzig star, although a January move could prove difficult.
Chelsea will battle with Arsenal for Sesko’s signature. The Gunners made an approach for the 21-year-old last summer but he opted to remain in Germany for another season. He has scored 14 goals this term, with eight coming in the Bundesliga.
Maresca may have the advantage over Mikel Arteta, though, with the funds raised through Nkunku’s move to United potentially aiding a pursuit of Sesko. Chelsea may therefore be better placed than Arsenal to agree a deal with Leipzig and the forward’s representatives, whether that happens this month or in the summer.
Sesko is widely understood to be a top target for Arsenal. Arteta says his attacking unit “needs some help” following long-term injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. Missing out to Chelsea on a potential deal could be a cruel blow for the north Londoners.
Benjamin Sesko has been strongly linked with a Premier League transfer (Image: Getty)
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
That would be made even worse by the lack of other attainable forwards on the market. Alexander Isak is not considered for sale by Newcastle, while the competition to sign Viktor Gyokeres in the summer will be tough.
And whoever lands Sesko could be getting the next Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Standing at close to six-foot-four-inches, the former RB Salzburg star is a giant on the pitch and is well known for his athleticism.
“Zlatan Ibrahimovic was my idol,” Sesko told The Guardian in 2023. “I’m not saying I play like him but he was having fun, enjoying himself on the pitch, doing what he wanted to do. It makes me really happy when I see that kind of player. Every single video I could find, I was looking at him.”
