Chelsea 'STEP UP' Premier League pursuit after Sesko blow

Cameron Smith

Updated: 11 Jun 2024 19:50 BST
4 min read

Benjamin Sesko, Chelsea, RB Leipzig, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Chelsea have reignited their interest in Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran following news that Benjamin Sesko will remain at RB Leipzig until at least 2025.

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Duran, 20, joined Villa from Chicago Fire for €16.6 million in January 2023, but he has been forced to play second fiddle to Ollie Watkins since his arrival.

The Colombian striker has eight goals in just 1,221 minutes of action in an Aston Villa shirt, and he was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea during the January transfer window.

However, the Blues were unable to strike an agreement with Villa and eventually opted against pursuing a mid-season move.

But, Enzo Maresca’s side have now rekindled their interest in Duran, according to The Telegraph’s Matt Law. The 20-year-old reportedly wanted to join Chelsea in January, while he has previously liked numerous social media posts related to the west London club.

The Telegraph’s report also states that Chelsea have at least two other strikers on their shortlist, with ex-Blues forward Dominic Solanke listed as a potential option.

Nicolas Jackson led the line for the Blues last season, following his summer arrival from Villarreal, but the Senegal international suffered a sprained ankle while on international duty and appears likely to miss a large chunk of pre-season.

Romelu Lukaku and Armando Broja have both returned to Stamford Bridge after loan spells away during the 2023-24 campaign, but both players are expected to depart on permanent deals before the summer transfer window shuts.

Benjamin Sesko to remain at RB Leipzig

Duran’s chances of sealing a summer move to Chelsea have reportedly been boosted following news that the aforementioned Sesko will stay at RB Leipzig until at least next summer.

The Slovenia international was a key transfer target for both Arsenal and Chelsea, but Fabrizio Romano has revealed that he will sign a new long-term deal at RB Leipzig instead.

Sesko scored 18 goals and provided two assists in 42 appearances during his debut campaign at Leipzig.

While a move for the Slovenian is now off the cards, Chelsea look set to seriously pursue Duran as they search for attacking reinforcements.