Chelsea rival Arsenal in race for 2 key striker targets
Chelsea are out there for a brand new striker forward of subsequent season and will rival Arsenal for a minimum of one in every of their potential targets to strengthen up entrance.
The Blues have improved significantly since final season however nonetheless lack a prolific ‘quantity 9’, with Diego Costa in 2016/17 the final centre ahead to succeed in 20 Premier League objectives.
Nicolas Jackson managed a good 14 in 2023/24 and has one other 9 simply over midway by this marketing campaign. However the Senegal worldwide hasn’t scored since earlier than Christmas and was scarcely concerned throughout Monday evening’s win over Wolves at Stamford Bridge.
The Occasions notes that Chelsea are “contemplating” Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic after already talking with the Serie A giants over the potential for them taking the unsettled Renato Veiga.
Vlahovic has 12 objectives in all competitions to this point this season, which makes him Juve’s prime scorer by a long way. However his time in Turin since an €80m transfer from Fiorentina three years in the past has been a rollercoaster, whereas Randal Kolo Muani is quickly anticipated to hitch on mortgage from Paris Saint-Germain.
By promoting the Serbia worldwide forward of subsequent season, a cash-conscious Juve may additionally keep away from a contracted pay rise that can kick in in from the summer time, when he’s already their prime earner.
Arsenal have been eager on Vlahovic in January 2022 and misplaced out to Juventus. However although the Gunners nonetheless haven’t landed a correct striker, The Occasions provides that they don’t seem to be after him now.
One other striker that Arsenal are tipped to chase, nonetheless, is Benjamin Sesko. The RB Leipzig front-man signed a brand new long-term contract with a pay rise final summer time, however with the understanding that he could be allowed to maneuver on in 2025.
Arsenal’s curiosity within the Slovenian is nicely established and it has already been rumoured in latest days that they may speed up an method for him given the lack of Gabriel Jesus to damage. The issue for them could also be that Chelsea are additionally believed to be preserving watch of Sesko.
Sky Sport CH writes that the Blues not too long ago initiated contact with RB Leipzig, having already been in contact with the participant’s representatives, however their intent could be to finish a summer time switch somewhat than have Sesko transfer to London now. Leipzig would promote for a sum of €80m (£68m).
