Chelsea step up interest in young Aston Villa striker after Šeško decision

Aug 2, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chelsea celebrate after forward Mason Burstow (48) scored a goal against Borussia Dortmund during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 2, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chelsea celebrate after forward Mason Burstow (48) scored a goal against Borussia Dortmund during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

Benjamin Šeško has decided to stay at RB Leipzig and extend his contract amid interest from Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United according to David Ornstein of NBC Sports. All three clubs were very interested in the young Slovenian after his breakout at Leipzig over the past couple of years.

Šeško fits the Chelsea transfer archetype to a tea. He’s a newly turned 21-year-old, had a release clause under £65 million, and has some sort of pedigree in European football. Unfortunately, Chelsea are going to have to look elsewhere for a new young striker option to pair with Nicholas Jackson.

Chelsea could pivot to young Aston Villa striker

Chelsea have stepped up their interest in young Colombian striker Jhon Durán according to Fabrizio Romano. The current Aston Villa player is valued around £35-40 million by the club. Chelsea have been steadily interested in Durán since January when it was revealed he was on the shortlist. Eventually, the club chose to keep January quite quiet as opposed to the previous transfer windows where practically every football fan knew that Chelsea had spent plenty of money.

There is also an idea of a swap deal between the two clubs for current Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher. Villa are interested in Gallagher and it seems at this point that Chelsea is keen to sell. Gallagher would be considered a ‘pure profit’ player since he came from Chelsea’s academy. The club has came out and put the fact that they have to sell players in order to meet PSR requirements to dismay though amid concerns of academy graduates like Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah being sold for those ‘pure profit’ scenarios.

Who are the internal options who can play striker?

Chelsea have a couple of options for who can play striker that are already at the club. Obviously, there is Nicholas Jackson, who to many impressed in his debut season, eclipsing twenty goals and assists in his first season in the premier league.

It’s also to note that Jackson is twenty-two years old and can improve in the next seasons as well. His finishing was his worst attribute which can hopefully be worked on – just finishing the easy chances. His hold-up and link-up play were brilliant, he has a good work rate and is a great presser to add on as well.

Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer can also play as a false 9 in a pinch maybe with Nkunku being able to do it on a more regular basis, but Jackson deserves a chance to start again and work with Durán in a strike partnership at least.

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