Chelsea's Benjamin Sesko pursuit makes NO SENSE

Cameron Smith

• 29 Apr 2024 04:50 CDT
• 4 min read

Chelsea are reportedly still interested in signing RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, who has been linked with a Premier League move for the past few years.

The 20-year-old has scored 15 goals in all competitions this season and he has netted in each of his last four appearances in the Bundesliga.

Lois Openda has often been preferred as Leipzig’s starting striker this campaign, with Sesko amassing only 15 league starts since moving to Germany, but Chelsea remain heavily interested in signing the Slovenian.

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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the Blues’ interest, admitting to CaughtOffside: “There are around seven clubs keeping an eye on Sesko. We’ve spoken before about Arsenal and Manchester United scouting the player, and their interest remains, but I’ve also always mentioned one club specifically, and that’s Chelsea.

“Chelsea remain keen on Sesko but they still have to decide how much they want to invest on a striker.

“In any case, Leipzig expect that something could happen this summer with Sesko, so let’s see what’s going to happen. Chelsea have been tracking Sesko for more than two years, but also names like Victor Osimhen are there.”

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However, while Chelsea are interested in Sesko, their pursuit of the talented 20-year-old makes little sense.

Why Chelsea should avoid signing Benjamin Sesko

Although Sesko is a future star, he falls into the same bracket as Chelsea’s current starting striker - Nicolas Jackson. Both players are still extremely raw and have shown major inconsistencies in their performance level so far this season, but they are evidently extremely talented.

Jackson has been widely criticised for his poor finishing in front of goal - and for good reason - with his catalogue of misses quite incredible in 2023-24.

He was arguably the main reason why Chelsea lost the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City and the Blues could be competing for a top four place if the ex-Villarreal man had finished his chances on a more regular basis throughout the campaign.

However, this is his first full season as a number nine, having previously played as a winger, and he has shown glimpses of becoming an elite striker.

During the 5-0 defeat against Arsenal, for example, Jackson picked up the ball deep into his own half, spun William Saliba and outpaced the Frenchman into the Gunners’ penalty area before winning a corner off Gabriel. There aren’t many forwards in world football who are capable of beating Saliba in that manner, yet Jackson made it look relatively easy.

His all-round is surprisingly polished for a player with his lack of top level experience and Jackson is a real handful for defenders. His close control and agility ensures he is able to turn opponents in an instant, his link-up play is excellent and he runs the channels extremely well.

However, his composure and finishing technique is a real problem. If Chelsea want to compete for major honours next season, Jackson may not be the number nine they need.

But, Sesko is in a similar boat to the Senegal international. He is also inconsistent with his finishing and there is little evidence to suggest Chelsea would be a better team with the Slovenian playing up front. In fact, Sesko has a lower potential than Jackson, according to data analytics experts SciSports (107.1 to 115.5).

Victor Osimhen, on the other hand, would instantly improve the Blues, and Jackson could benefit from playing a back-up role rather than being relied upon to score 25 goals per season.

Furthermore, the former Villarreal man has shown promise off the left flank on occasions this season and could be deployed in tandem with Osimhen - a prospect that is certainly an encouraging one.

As a result, spending €50 million or more on Sesko would be a rather foolish idea considering Chelsea should be saving their money for Osimhen and ensuring Jackson develops as one of the best back-up strikers in world football.