West Ham lining up £17m "pure goalscorer" who’s perfect for Bowen

West Ham United have wiped the slate clean after a prosperous period in their history. David Moyes has departed, Julen Lopetegui appointed as his successor, and, for the first time in three seasons, transfer business will be conducted without European football immediately in mind.

If this has dented the Hammers' strategy, they have done well to mask it. Luis Guilherme, a thrilling young Brazilian winger, has been signed from Palmeiras.

Former Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui

It's crucial that the frontline is strengthened. Veteran forward Michail Antonio is set to leave and Jarrod Bowen will hope to perform from the right, feeding a new, impressive striker. Lopetegui and Co might just be closing on an exciting addition.

West Ham lining up new striker

According to Spanish outlet Diario de Sevilla – via Sport Witness – West Ham have been handed a boost in their bid to sign long-term striking target Youssef En-Nesyri.

The Moroccan's contract with Sevilla expires in one year and the Hammers could now make their move, with his outfit willing to cash in for around €20m (£17m).

Sevilla strikerYoussef En-Nesyri.

Tottenham Hotspur have also displayed an interest as they seek a new striker, so Lopetegui will need to act fast to secure En-Nesyri's signature.

How Youssef En-Nesyri would fit in at West Ham

West Ham fizzed out last season and consequently finished ninth in the Premier League, failing to qualify for European competition. This, however, tempers expectations somewhat and provides Lopetegui with a foundation to build from.

West Ham Top Scorers 23/24

Rank

Player

Apps

Goals

1.

Jarrod Bowen

44

20

2.

Mohammed Kudus

45

14

3.

Tomas Soucek

52

10

4.

Lucas Paqueta

53

8

5.

Michail Antonio

32

7

6.

James Ward-Prowse

51

7

Stats via BBC Sport

But signing a striker is paramount. Bowen enjoyed a storming season and Mohammed Kudus proved himself one of the trickiest wingers in the Premier League after completing a £38m move to the London Stadium one year ago, but Antonio was the leading out-and-out striker with seven goals, and at 34 years old, it would be ludicrous not to sign an upgrade, if he stays.

Which is why En-Nesyri would be the perfect fit. The 28-year-old is imposing at 6 foot 3 and has the inborn striking sense to make a real impact in the Premier League, scoring 20 goals from 41 matches for Sevilla last season, with such success leading to him being praised as a "pure goalscorer" by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Moreover, he only missed 13 big chances in La Liga last term having scored 16 times, which is actually identical to that of Bowen in the Premier League.

By deploying the target man up front, West Ham would sharpen their attacking prolificness while allowing their Three Lions star to be more dynamic and expressive in his play. The 27-year-old clinched 17 of his 30 goal contributions when out of the wing despite playing two fewer games than when deployed at centre-forward.

This was perhaps perfectly illustrated through Bowen's cameo in England's Euro 2024 opener against Serbia on Sunday evening, replacing Bukayo Saka in the closing stage and whipping in a fierce cross that forced a fine save after Harry Kane met the delivery with a driven header.

En-Nesyri would lick his lips at such service, and West Ham must now move to succeed Antonio with a refined new version, one that could make a marked impact on a new era in east London.

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By
Tom Cunningham

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Maresca set for crunch talks as PSG eye move to sign £100k-p/w Chelsea star

New head coach Enzo Maresca and Chelsea chiefs are set for crunch internal talks over the future of a £100,000-per-week star, as Ligue 1 giants Paris-Saint Germain and Premier League rivals Liverpool target him this summer.

Chelsea players who could be sold by Maresca

The likes of Romelu Lukaku, Armando Broja, Ian Maatsen, Conor Gallagher, Malang Sarr, Kepa Arrizabalaga are just some players who could be sold by Chelsea this summer window, regardless of Maresca's arrival.

£115 million attacking duo want to join Chelsea as their agents open talks

They’re both equally as keen.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 5, 2024

Lukaku and Broja are two strikers out of favour at Stamford Bridge and could make way for a new name, as Chelsea remain in contention to sign RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko alongside other sides like rivals Arsenal.

Meanwhile, left-back Maatsen appears likely to swap England for Germany, whether that be for Borussia Dortmund, who want to sign him on a permanent deal, or fellow Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich.

Chelsea's best-performing mainstays in the league last season

Match Rating (via WhoScored)

Cole Palmer

7.48

Conor Gallagher

7.13

Nicolas Jackson

7.07

Moises Caicedo

6.85

Levi Colwill

6.82

Gallagher is also likely to be sold by Chelsea this summer, despite his star player status, as the Blues look to balance their books and fend off issues with PSR by selling academy graduates for pure profit.

Sarr hasn't featured for Chelsea since 2022, while Arrizabalaga spent last season on loan at Real Madrid. More players could join the aforementioned on Chelsea's transfer list this summer, depending on how Maresca assesses his team behind the scenes.

One member of Maresca's side, Levi Colwill, cemented his status as a real regular under Pochettino last season – starting 20 top-flight matches and chipping in with some great performances.

Levi Colwill

The Englishman also graduated from the Cobham academy, and his sale would count as pure profit in the eyes of PSR. On a reported £100,000-per-week, Colwill is said to be attracting serious admirers from both abroad and here in England.

Maresca set for crunch talks over Colwill's future at Chelsea

According to 90min, Maresca is set for crunch talks with Chelsea chiefs over Colwill's future, coming as both PSG and Liverpool target the 21-year-old. Arne Slot is rumoured to be after a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk, and Colwill may fit the bill in this respect.

The French champions, meanwhile, want to bolster their backline with Luis Enrique attempting to make PSG contenders for the Champions League.

“I think the best example of courage was Colwill in this game," said former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi on Colwill.

“We defended man-to-man and Colwill’s man was Odegaard. Colwill went 90 minutes to defend with Odegaard 80 metres from Jason Steele. This is courage. I would like to work with him for another two, three, four years because it’s difficult to find another left centre-back with his qualities.

“He’s a good guy, he’s improving a lot. This year his improvement has been fantastic and I hope he can stay with us.”

Is Bruno Fernandes looking for a way out?! Man Utd star draws worrying comparison to Portugal national team as he admits he could have left in the summer

Bruno Fernandes has revealed the stark difference between the camps at Manchester United and Portugal as he explained how he nearly left the club.

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  • Fernandes signed new Man Utd deal
  • Turned down chance for summer move
  • Portugal camp more positive than United
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The 30-year-old has spoken about turning down offers abroad to sign a new deal with United earlier this summer until 2027. However, not long after extending his Old Trafford stay, the attacking midfielder admits the Red Devils are "not in a positive moment", whereas playing for Portugal is completely different.

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    WHAT BRUNO FERNANDES SAID

    He told : "I was approached [by other clubs], the club was aware that there was a possibility of me leaving, I had concrete offers. But the club showed that it needed me, that it was at a time of change and that they wanted to do things differently.

    On United, he added: "It's not a positive moment. We're not winning games, and the national team space is completely different. I've felt very at ease. The dynamics are very good. I'm in my country, I speak my language, and I have better food. I have demonstrated a good level in the national team. It's a space where I feel good and I feel like I can enjoy my football at a very high level, due to the dynamics we have and the quality I have at my side."

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Fernandes was linked with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and several teams from the Saudi Pro League but ended up staying put at Old Trafford. He himself has failed to get off the mark for United this season and was recently sent off twice in as many games, although his red card against Tottenham was later overturned. The fact that the Portugal international is publicly grumbling about the Red Devils is not a good sign.

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    WHAT NEXT?

    The United captain is likely to feature for Portugal in their Nations League clash with Poland on Saturday and then against Scotland on Tuesday. He will hope to find his scoring touch before returning to United – who are down in 14th in the Premier League – next week.

£55 million star’s agents contact Chelsea this week with Maresca bid likely

A £55 million player's representatives have contacted Chelsea chiefs in the last few days, as momentum builds over Enzo Maresca's side bidding for him this summer.

Maresca makes Chelsea transfer requests as arrival confirmed

The Italian was officially confirmed as Mauricio Pochettino's replacement on Monday, with a new era now beginning at Stamford Bridge after co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart chose Maresca as their standout managerial candidate.

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He’s considering a transfer to the Middle East.

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Jun 4, 2024

The former Man City coach, who worked under Pep Guardiola as part of his backroom staff, reportedly beat the likes of Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna and Brentford's Thomas Frank in the race to become Chelsea's new manager.

Maresca guided Leicester City to automatic promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking with Leicester City last season, winning the Championship title in the process, and his success at the King Power has earned him the step-up to Stamford Bridge.

Enzo Maresca's record at Leicester City last season

The numbers (via Transfermarkt)

Games managed

53

Wins

36

Draws

4

Losses

13

Points per game on average

2.11

The 44-year-old, according to some reports, has already made specific transfer requests behind the scenes. Maresca has held discussions with Chelsea chiefs over the summer window, and it is believed he's floated some desired signings.

Maresca is a real fan of Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, alongside other stars, with defender Tosin Adarabioyo set to become Chelsea's first signing under their new manager on a Bosman deal from Fulham.

The west Londoners are chasing a prolific new forward this summer, and one who can lead Maresca's front line to provide that extra cutting edge. Chelsea were heavily reliant on Cole Palmer last term, and while Nicolas Jackson showed bags of potential, there are still concerns as to whether he is ready to be the vocal point of their attack.

They've been heavily linked with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, coming after the Slovenia international netted 18 goals in all competitions over 2023/2024.

Sesko's agents contact Chelsea this week with Maresca bid likely

As per TEAMtalk, Sesko's agents have contacted Chelsea in the last few days as momentum builds for a bid being placed.

His release clause stands at a tempting £55 million, which is far less than the reported clauses in both Victor Osimhen's (£115m) or Viktor Gyokeres' (£86m) contracts, and that may well shoot Sesko up Maresca's list of transfer priorities.

However, Chelsea will have to compete with London rivals Arsenal for the 6ft 5 star's signature, as Emirates Stadium insiders believe they're one quality striker away from winning the Premier League and are seriously interested in Sesko as well.

Mikel Arteta's side are still thought to be in a strong position to sign the centre-forward, with it clear the two clubs are set to do battle for him.

USMNT striker Josh Sargent scores fourth goal of season as Norwich City defeat Hull City in English Championship

The Canaries forward scored, though he also missed a penalty, in a 4-0 thrashing of the Tigers

  • Norwich defeat Hull 4-0
  • USMNT's Sargent scores, misses penalty
  • Canaries unbeaten in four-straight
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    U.S. international Josh Sargent scored Norwich's second goal of the match, a 20th-minute strike, as the Canaries defeated Hull City 4-0 Saturday.

    It marked his fourth goal of the season, as Sargent finished in tidy fashion with a first-touch finish off a lovely low-driven cross from Borja Sainz.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Sargent later missed a penalty for the Canaries, with his 56th minute attempt hitting the post from the spot.

    Despite the miss, though, the Canaries added two more to their tally late in the second half to secure the victory, walking away with the clean sheet.

    The 24-year-old's first half goal made it three-straight matches for the Canaries with a goal-contribution, and seven total in Sargent's nine appearances for Norwich this season.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Since Jan. 1, 2024, Sargent has scored 16 league goals in the English Championship. That's three more than any other player across the league during that span.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR SARGENT?

    Sargent will depart England in the coming days, returning to the United States for the October training camp with the USMNT. The forward will look to earn his first minutes under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who takes the touchline for the first time on Oct. 12 against Panama, followed by a clash with Mexico on Oct. 15.

Liverpool’s “staggering” wonderkid could become Trent 2.0 under Slot

Liverpool have been treated to shovelfuls of Jurgen Klopp’s energy and enthusiasm over the past nine years or so but the German’s iconic Merseyside journey is now at its end.

Emotion were be high, tears were spilt and memories for a lifetime flooded through Anfield’s walls as Liverpool hosted Wolverhampton Wanderers to close out their Premier League campaign.

Meanwhile, Arne Slot will be preparing to jet to England as he succeeds Klopp in the Liverpool dugout, recently confirming the open secret that he will be the club’s head coach next season.

Arne Slot

Slot has big boots to fill but he will take the reins at an outfit brimming with quality and solidified through a steely infrastructure, with a rich wave of academy talent at his feet.

In many ways, succeeding Klopp is an unenviable task but Slot has the smarts and the style to captivate the Reds, especially if he makes good use of the teenage hopefuls at his disposal.

Slot could find his own Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool

It’s no coincidence that Trent Alexander-Arnold’s rise to prominence at Liverpool is synonymous with Klopp’s trophy-winning success, with Gary Neville even remaking that the 25-year-old “has the material to be the very best right-back of all time”

Playing under Klopp’s guidance is all the Three Lions star has ever known, making his debut aged 18 and since completing 310 appearances, scoring 19 goals and providing 81 assists.

He is one of the best in the business, ranking among the top 12% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 3% for assists, the top 1% for shot-creating actions and the top 2% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

The bond between Klopp and Alexander-Arnold strengthened the manager’s connection with Liverpool, with the city, with the fans, and Slot now needs to ensure that he does the same, and he could find his very own prodigy in the Reds’ Stefan Bajcetic.

How Bajcetic could thrive under Slot

Bajcetic entered the fray with a bang last season, promoted to the first team in the Premier League as Klopp fought to stop the rot that had ruined his team’s 2022/23 campaign.

The 19-year-old Spaniard featured 11 times in the league, scoring an impressive goal against Aston Villa to confirm a much-needed victory in December and showcasing his energy and enthusiasm by succeeding with 64% of his dribbles.

Liverpool’s Youngest Premier League Scorers

#

Player

Opponent

Age

1.

Michael Owen

Wimbledon

17y 143d

2.

Raheem Sterling

Reading

17y 317d

3.

Stefan Bajcetic

Aston Villa

18y 65d

4.

Robbie Fowler

Oldham Athletic

18y 190d

5.

Jamie Carragher

Aston Villa

18y 356d

Source: 90min

Writer Leanne Prescott even said: “Staggering that Liverpool look most in control this season when 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic is playing.”

Wataru Endo, aged 31, has done an impressive job at the base of Liverpool’s midfield after completing a surprise £16m move to Anfield last summer, but one analyst projected that “he would struggle” away from Klopp’s system, and Slot might find that his brand of football thrives with Bajcetic featuring as the No. 6.

Liverpool players Wataru Endo and Alexis Mac Allister

The Japan international has completed 28 Premier League matches this season, starting 19 times, and while he’s completed 88% of his passes and offered an industrious and committed presence in the centre of the park, he’s also only averaging 1.6 tackles per game, winning just 45% of his contested duels.

This speaks of Endo’s weakness in mobility and athleticism, two things that Bajcetic boasts in abundance. The teenage talent is also blessed with elite composure, maintaining his cool in chaotic circumstances at times last term, but he’s also fuelled with robust life, covering so much ground and completing defensive actions across the pitch.

Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic.

His all-action, age-belying blend of qualities have only just scratched the surface of what could be a wonderful career at the height of the European game, and his incoming Dutch manager will surely fall for this exceptional starlet.

Indeed, Slot enjoys aggressive, front-footed football that bears a semblance to Klopp’s style but there is an emphasis on midfield control that isn’t found in the German’s system, with wide overloads prominent on Merseyside’s red half.

Bajcetic has already demonstrated his powers of control and influence in age-belying style, and while injuries and setbacks have limited him to only three senior appearances in 2023/24, the future phenom appears to have reached the light at the end of the tunnel after playing 25 minutes off the bench in Liverpool’s recent 4-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

Fit and firing once again, Bajcetic must now use the summer break to prove himself to Slot, impressing in pre-season and suggesting that he deserves a regular place in his senior squad.

He already has the squad on his side: last season, Mohamed Salah said that “since he started playing for us, he has been our best player maybe so hopefully he keeps that confidence and keeps going.”

Alexander-Arnold’s link to Klopp won over a proud footballing city, and now Slot must ensure that he finds his own version of the creative genius to prove his suitability with the seat at the head of the table.

Luckily for him, Bajcetic is poised to make a real impact next season.

Liverpool looking to hijack Man Utd target to sign £80m+ Matip replacement

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Atletico Madrid punished! RFEF hits Diego Simeone's side with fine and partial stadium closure after Madrid derby chaos

Atletico Madrid have been fined and hit with a partial stadium closure for three games after crowd trouble halted their match with Real Madrid.

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  • Madrid derby halted over crowd trouble
  • Atletico hit with $50,000 fine
  • Partial stadium closure for three games
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Last weekend's La Liga clash with Los Blancos was stopped for around 20 minutes in the second half after Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois complained that home fans were throwing objects onto the field. Supporters then ignored appeals when asked to desist over the stadium loudspeakers, with the game then being stopped. Now, The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have slapped Diego Simeone's team with a $50,000 fine and ruled they must close the lower south section of the Metropolitano Stadium – where the incidents occurred – for their next three home fixtures.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The RFEF have since described what happened on that day as “absolutely unacceptable and did not accept Atletico’s allegations concerning previous acts which in no way would be capable of justifying the events that followed.”

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    According to reports, Atletico, who sit fourth in La Liga in an unbeaten start to the season, have said they have already identified one supporter over this matter and subsequently banned them.

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    WHAT NEXT?

    Atletico travel to Real Sociedad on Sunday night in La Liga, before having their first home match under the partial stadium closure after the international break when they entertain Leganes on October 20 in the league.

Patrick Viera reportedly a finalist for Atlanta United head coaching job

The former Arsenal midfielder is reportedly among the favorites to take over the MLS Eastern Conference side

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  • Patrick Viera a finalist for Atlanta job
  • Coached NYCFC in MLS for to start career
  • Was linked with vacant USMNT job
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    After four months without employment, Patrick Viera is back in consideration for a MLS job. The Arsenal legend is among the finalists for Atlanta's coaching role, according to Tom Bogert. He last coached at Strasbourg in Ligue 1, and was briefly linked with the USMNT job last summer after Gregg Berhalter was removed following a group stage exit at Copa America.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Atlanta appears to be facing a transitional offseason. The 2018 MLS Cup Champions sold three of their biggest names last summer, raising $42 million with the departures of Thiago Almada, Giorgos Giakoumakis and Caleb Wiley.

    There was also change in higher positions, with manager Gonzalo Pineda removed from in early June. Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra also left the club shortly after.

    Viera, for his part, is no stranger to MLS. The Frenchman coached NYCFC for more than two seasons in his first managerial job.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Viera has coached in three countries, having spent time in MLS, England and France over the course of a nearly 10 year managerial career. His tenure at NYCFC was marked by success, as he guided the expansion franchise to an MLS Eastern Conference semifinal appearance in his first season, and subsequent top four finishes over the next two campaigns.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR VIERA?

    The Frenchman appears to be in contention for his next job in management – although it would seem that Atlanta are unlikely to appoint a full time coach until the end of the campaign.

Rangers eyeing move for £2.5m defender dubbed the "best" in his league

As a dramatic Scottish Premiership nears its crescendo, Rangers have reportedly turned their attention towards Philippe Clement's first summer transfer window in charge and landing a fresh face to buff up his defensive ranks.

Rangers transfer news

With or without the Scottish Premiership to celebrate, Rangers are set to endure a busy summer, starting with a number of departures. As things stand, Ryan Jack, Kemar Roofe, John Lundstram, Borna Barisic and Leon Balogun, among others, are set to leave the club as free agents upon the expiry of their current contracts at Ibrox.

Clement must finally ditch Rangers star who's cost £169k per start in 23/24

Philippe Clement must undergo a massive clear-out of his squad this summer

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Ross Kilvington

May 9, 2024

Leaving plenty of space behind them, the Gers will undoubtedly turn their attention towards reinforcements, with links already emerging over a permanent move to sign Lens loanee Oscar Cortes. The winger had his loan spell disrupted by injury, but could now get a second chance to form a consistent run and show his best form in Scotland.

The same can be said for Abdallah Sima, who may also leave for Scotland on a permanent basis from Brighton & Hove Albion. But, that said, it's not just familiar faces who the Gers have been linked with ahead of the transfer window.

Rangers loanee Abdallah Sima.

According to El Marcador TV, Rangers are eyeing a move to sign Jose Cordoba from Levski Sofia in a deal worth just €3m (£2.5m) this summer. The 22-year-old has impressed in Bulgaria's first division, with journalist Jose Miguel Dominguez describing him as the "best defender in his league" this season in what is high, but deserved praise.

Now, it is Rangers who could be left benefitting, though they're not alone in their interest. Alongside Rangers, clubs in France and Turkey are also reportedly interested in Cordoba to create a tight battle for his signature. Reports suggest that Rangers' European exploits will be a big factor in the process, however, and could help their pitch to sign the defender this summer.

Defensive reinforcements needed at Rangers

Rangers are walking a fine line when it comes to departures this summer. As much as things could work out, they must make replacing their defensive depth a priority in the coming months, starting with Cordoba. The Panama international will have the task of stepping into the boots of Balogun and the task of replacing such experience won't be lost on those at Ibrox.

Clement previously praised the veteran centre-back following his injury earlier this season, saying via Planet Radio: "He is a warrior and he is somebody with experience who already had things like that (face injury) in the past. He believes he can be back fast with a mask so I hope that is the case. It is the medical staff who need to decide that."

Nonetheless, the Gers are set to go out with the old and in with the new this summer if they can land a deal to sign Cordoba in the coming months of the transfer window.

Chelsea make approach to sign dream £42m Palmer partner

Chelsea are heading towards another trophyless season as Mauricio Pochettino has failed to lead the team to silverware in his first year with the club.

The Argentine boss did take his men to the final of the League Cup, only to lose to Liverpool on penalties, but failed to make the final of the FA Cup and his side are currently ninth in the Premier League table.

They still have an opportunity to ensure that they have European football for the 2024/25 campaign, though, if they have a strong end to the season to climb the division, with five matches left to play.

Attention will then fully turn to the summer transfer window and what the club can do to bolster their playing squad to compete on all fronts next term.

Worth is reportedly already underway on that front, though, as the Blues are looking to sign a new centre-forward to lead the line for Pochettino.

Chelsea's interest in Bundesliga marksman

According to journalist Simon Phillips' Substack column, via Chelsea News, Chelsea have five strikers they are looking at ahead of the next transfer window.

The player who looks likely to be the club's top target in that position is RB Leipzig centre-forward Benjamin Sesko, who has a £42m release clause in his current contract.

Phillips claims that the Slovenia international has already been approached by the Blues, via his representatives, ahead of a possible move to Stamford Bridge in the coming months.

However, the reporter does not reveal whether or not the 20-year-old starlet is prepared to ditch the German club to make a move to England this summer.

He also does not state whether or not the London-based outfit are willing to pay his £42m release clause in full or if they will try to negotiate a lower fee.

Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Brentford's Ivan Toney are also mentioned by Phillips, who adds that Roma ace and ex-Chelsea man Tammy Abraham and Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic are also options for them if they fail to land their top targets.

Napoli star Victor Osimhen

This latest update suggests that plenty of work is going on behind the scenes to ensure that they have a long list of options to pursue this summer to secure a new number nine to lead the line at Stamford Bridge next season.

Sesko is possibly the priority at this moment in time, given that the club have approached him over a possible deal to bring him to England, and he could be a dream signing to partner with Cole Palmer moving forward.

Cole Palmer's form for Chelsea this season

Signed from Manchester City on a permanent move last summer, the left-footed magician has enjoyed a sensational first season with the Blues this term.

The 21-year-old wizard has showcased his quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals from an attacking midfield or wide position in the Premier League this season.

He had racked up six goals and two assists in 41 first-team matches for Pep Guardiola before his switch to London last year, which did not suggest that the young gem was guaranteed to hit the ground running with Chelsea this term.

That is exactly what the talented star has done, though, with his almost constant stream of goals and assists for Pochettino's side throughout the campaign.

23/24 Premier League

Cole Palmer

Appearances

29

xG

15.56

Goals

20

xA

6.71

Assists

9

Big chances created

12

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Palmer has averaged a direct goal contribution every match on average in the Premier League with a return of 29 goals and assists in 29 matches.

His goalscoring exploits, with 20 strikes from just 15.56 xG, have caught the eye but his creativity for his teammates has also been sensational in the top-flight.

The England international currently ranks within the top 6% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers for Expected Assisted Goals per 90 (0.34), the top 7% for assists per 90 (0.37), and the top 9% for shot-creating actions per 90 (5.38).

These statistics show that Palmer is one of the best players in his position in the division at creating high-quality opportunities for his fellow attackers.

This is why Chelsea signing a high-quality striker would be a dream for the English phenom, as he would have a teammate who can make the most of his outstanding chance creation.

Why Chelsea should sign Benjamin Sesko

The Blues should complete a deal to sign Sesko this summer as he has the potential to be the dream signing to partner with Palmer next season, and beyond.

Benjamin Sesko

Once dubbed a "machine" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 20-year-old sensation joined RB Leipzig from RB Salzburg in the summer of 2023 after a sublime return of 29 goals and 11 assists in 79 matches for the Austrian side as a teenager.

He initially arrived as a back-up option for the German outfit but has earned himself a place in the starting XI and has showcased his lethal nature in front of goal.

23/24 season

Benjamin Sesko (Bundesliga)

Nicolas Jackson (Premier League)

Appearances

28

30

Starts

15

26

xG

7.23

14.75

Goals

11

10

Big chances missed

8

21

Conversion rate

27%

16%

Assists

2

4

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Sesko has been clinical in the final third with 11 goals from 7.23 xG, whilst current Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has fewer goals from more than double the Slovenian star's xG.

This suggests that the Leipzig ace is a significantly better finisher than the Senegal international, as he has overperformed his xG and missed less than half as many 'big chances' as the Blues forward.

In fact, Sesko ranks within the top 10% of strikers in the Men's Big 5 Leagues and European competitions over the last 365 days for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.67), which speaks to how impressive the centre-forward has been as a goalscorer in Germany.

Chelsea now front of queue to sign £205k-a-week starlet loved by Ancelotti

He could be another new young addition at Stamford Bridge this summer.

By
Ben Browning

Apr 29, 2024

Therefore, the 20-year-old Chelsea target could be a dream for Palmer as his statistics suggest that he is far more likely to make the most of the Englishman's creativity than Jackson, whose finishing has left a lot to be desired.

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