One player who is on Chelsea’s shortlist of transfer targets looks like he will definitely be leaving his club this summer.
The Blues are keen to strengthen their central defence and frontline ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Crystal Palace are resigned to losing Marc Guehi, who has been heavily linked with a return to Stamford Bridge.
However, the FA Cup winner is not the only Chelsea target heading for the exit door.
Benjamin Sesko will start planning RB Leipzig exit next week
Benjamin Sesko also looks certain to join a new club after RB Leipzig’s failure to qualify for any form of European football this season.
The Chelsea Chronicle has been told that Sesko is an option for Chelsea, and Fabrizio Romano is now reporting that the 21-year-old will begin work on an exit next week.
Speaking about Sesko’s situation on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “Premier League clubs are also in the mix for Benjamin Sesko. The expectation remains for Benjamin Sesko to leave. We know he’s an option for Arsenal, we know he’s an option for several clubs in England because many of them are looking for a striker.
“So the situation will start to move from next week for Benjamin Sesko, but he’s another player who is going to be on the move this summer because there is no European football. It’s going to be time to go.”
While Leipzig had a disappointing season, finishing seventh in the Bundesliga table, Sesko still had a productive campaign.
He managed to score 21 goals in all competitions, including four in the Champions League. However, with Leipzig not playing in that tournament next term, they have little chance of keeping hold of their talisman.
| Benjamin Sesko’s 2024/25 stats | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Bundesliga | 33 | 13 | 5 |
| Champions League | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| DFB-Pokal | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| Total | 45 | 21 | 6 |
According to Sky Sports, Leipzig asked for a fee of around £86m when they were approached by another club for Sesko’s services last week, so the Slovenian will not come cheap.
Enzo Maresca confirms he wants a new striker
Sesko’s desire to leave Leipzig will come as good news to Enzo Maresca, who wants a new centre-forward to be added to his squad.
Prior to Chelsea’s 1-0 win against Manchester United on Friday, Maresca was asked if he wanted more competition for Nicolas Jackson, and he told The Standard and others in response: “100%”.
Jackson has been inconsistent this season, finishing the campaign with just 10 league goals, and was recently sent off.
It makes sense for Chelsea to recruit another No.9, with Sesko just one candidate to come in.
