Chelsea and Manchester United are among the clubs considering activating the €50m release clause in the contract of Benjamin Sesko
Sesko is on the radar of Europe’s elite after a productive debut campaign at RB Leipzig, in which the 20-year-old has scored 13 goals in all competitions.
His positive performances, despite a limited role that has seen the Slovenian start just 13 games in the Bundesliga, have alerted England’s elite.
Chelsea and Manchester United are each in the market for a number nine in the summer and the reliable Ben Jacobs has confirmed both clubs are considering an approach, with Sesko’s release clause (£34m) and low wages viewed as good value.
Both sides have relied on inexperienced forwards this season with Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and United’s Rasmus Hojlund enjoying mixed debut campaigns in English football. A lack of depth has added to the responsibility of the duo, with competition and cover on the agenda this summer.
Arsenal have also checked in on the progress of Sesko, who signed from Red Bull Salzburg for a fee of €24m last summer. The 6ft 5in frontman has scored 11 goals in 28 appearances at international level and was named Slovenian Footballer of the Year in 2022.
Leipzig also signed Lois Openda last summer as the Germans sought a replacement for the Chelsea-bound Christopher Nkunku.
The Belgian has scored 22 goals in an impressive debut campaign in the Bundesliga and his displays have limited Sesko’s game time. Premier League clubs have also scouted Openda this season, though the 23-year-old’s £70m release clause does not become active until 2025.
