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Chelsea have made contact with Benjamin Sesko and Michael Olise as they look to scupper Arsenal and Manchester United’s transfer plans.
Arsenal were thought to be leading the race to sign RB Leipzig forward Sesko, with Mikel Arteta keen to bolster his attacking options this summer.
While the Gunners challenged for the Premier League title yet again last season and scored 91 goals – just five fewer than champions Manchester City – the team would benefit from the arrival of a prolific goalscorer, with Bukayo Saka top-scoring with 16 in 2023-24.
Slovenia international Sesko was not overly prolific last term – contributing 14 goals in 31 league appearances – but there is a sense is much more to come from the 21-year-old.
Sesko, who will look to impress for Slovenia at Euro 2024, has reportedly already indicated he is keen to join Arsenal this summer, but the highly-rated forward has also attracted interest from the Gunners’ London rivals Chelsea.
Foot Mercato say Chelsea have made contact with Sesko’s representatives as they work on summer signings for new manager Enzo Maresca, who has replaced Mauricio Pochettino in the Stamford Bridge hot-seat.
It is claimed Chelsea are also in talks with RB Leipzig over a deal as they look to hijack Arsenal’s move, as they did with Mykhailo Mudryk at the start of 2023.
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is ready to back Championship-winning manager Maresca in the transfer market and is also believed to be pushing a move for Crystal Palace winger Olise.
The 22-year-old scored 10 goals and made six assists in 19 Premier League games after recovering from a serious hamstring injury last season.
Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for Olise but Foot Mercato say Chelsea have also opened talks with the Frenchman’s agents and Palace, who want at least £60m to part ways with the former Reading star.
Chelsea have an abundance of attacking talent at the club but no one bar Cole Palmer stood out last season as the Blues struggled for consistency under former manager Pochettino, eventually finishing sixth.
Maresca is said to be keen on bringing Olise to west London as he prepares for the new season and Chelsea’s return to Europe in the Conference League.
To raise more funds for new signings and meet profit and sustainability rules, Chelsea are open to offers for England midfielder Conor Gallagher and £97.5m flop Romelu Lukaku.
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