CHELSEA may go for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko instead of Napoli's Victor Osimhen in the summer, reports suggest.
And that is due to the fact Sesko - who has been previously likened to Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland - has a much more affordable release clause, but he's also not going to come cheap.
The Blues are desperate to add attacking reinforcement as the likes of Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja have failed to meet manager Mauricio Pochettino's expectations.
And £52million signing Christopher Nkunku has been dealing with an injury-stricken campaign at Stamford Bridge.
The West Londoners have turned their sights to elite strikers, such as Sesko and Osimhen, 25, but both are unavailable during the January transfer window.
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The Nigeria international recently signed a new deal with Napoli that includes a staggering release clause in the region of around £110m.
According to transfer insider Ben Jacobs, 20-year-old Slovenian Sesko would also be expensive but would be worth far less than Osimhen as his asking price is around £43m.
Jacobs told CaughtOffside: "Chelsea are still exploring strikers for January but will only move if they find the right name.
"The elite profile they are looking for is only expected to be available in the summer meaning patience may be needed.
“Napoli’s Victor Osimhen remains a top target for this summer. Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is another to watch and has a €50m release clause active this summer.”
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Sesko joined Leipzig from partner club Red Bull Salzburg in July and has registered seven goals in 24 appearances.
Chelsea are currently ninth in the Premier League table amid another turbulent campaign.
However, Pochettino's side will still have a chance of making it to Europe for next season as they reached the Carabao Cup Final where they will face either Liverpool or Fulham.
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