Chelsea have been blessed with numerous abilities over time, together with varied attackers who’ve starred at Stamford Bridge – serving to the Blues declare a number of main trophies.
Nonetheless, Didier Drogba will all the time stand out for time with the membership, arriving as an unknown amount to many after his big-money switch from French aspect Marseille again in the summertime of 2004.
The Ivorian would go on to feature over 300 times over two separate spells in West London, scoring 164 instances, placing him third on the record of the membership’s all-time main goalscorers.
Drogba was a part of an iconic Blues squad in the course of the 2011/12 squad profitable the Champions League for the primary time ever, because the fan-favourite scored the equaliser earlier than firing residence the profitable penalty within the shootout.
Nonetheless, after his departure again in 2015, the hierarchy have struggled to switch the now 46-year-old, however they could lastly be capable of land a brand new main talisman earlier than the top of the continuing switch window.
Chelsea in talks to land European star
In accordance with TEAMtalk, Chelsea are in concrete talks with Bundesliga aspect RB Leipzig over a transfer to land centre-forward Benjamin Sesko earlier than the top of the window on February third.
Nonetheless, Enzo Maresca’s aspect are the one English outfit within the race for his signature, with Arsenal reportedly making an offer for his companies over the weekend.
The curiosity within the Slovenian is comprehensible given his tremendous type all through 2024/25, registering 20 combined goals and assists in his 27 appearances thus far.
The report provides that the Blues hierarchy have been in fixed contact with the brokers of the talisman, with the opportunity of a bid coming earlier than the top of the month as they appear to finish their pursuit for a brand new striker.
Given the curiosity in his companies from elsewhere, it’s pivotal that the membership make progress on a deal for the 21-year-old to keep away from lacking out on such an thrilling prospect – particularly to a rival in the identical division.
Why Sesko may very well be Chelsea’s greatest striker since Drogba
Many have tried to fill the void left by Drogba within the decade since his departure, however the overwhelming majority have failed, with Diego Costa arguably the closest to changing the Ivorian after his three-year spell which saw him score 59 times.
Nonetheless, fast-forward to the present aspect and Nicolas Jackson is the primary choice on the prime finish of the pitch, with Marc Guiu and Christopher Nkunku two again up choices at Maresca’s disposal.
The latter might reportedly leave before the end of the month on account of his lack of sport time, with Sesko probably the proper participant to come back in and stake his declare for an everyday beginning position over Jackson.
The Leipzig ace has quite a few similarities to membership legend Drogba, one being their peak and physicality, with Sesko profitable a mean of 2.5 aerials per 90 this campaign. That aerial presence is desperately lacked at present in Maresca’s squad.
Following his transfer below José Mourinho, the previous Marseille expertise was able to producing a second of magic out of virtually nothing, usually scoring an improvised or spectacular effort on many events.
Such a ability comes naturally for some gamers, with the Slovenian additionally possessing comparable qualities together with his long-range ball-striking, as seen just some weeks in the past after his ridiculous effort towards Werder Bremen.
He’s beforehand been dubbed “one of the best talents in the world at his age” by his agent, but it surely’s comprehensible when taking a look at his figures from the continuing season, rating throughout the prime 10% of assorted key figures for an attacker all through 2024/25.
For instance, he’s ranked better than 93% of other forwards in Europe for non-penalty objectives, while higher than 97% for shot-on-target accuracy – highlighting his scientific edge in entrance of purpose.
Benjamin Sesko’s stats within the Bundesliga throughout 2024/25 |
||
---|---|---|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
FBref rank |
Non-penalty objectives |
0.65 |
93% |
Shot-on-target accuracy |
57% |
97% |
Objectives per shot |
0.25 |
92% |
Objectives in comparison with xG |
+0.25 |
98% |
% of aerials received |
53% |
82% |
Shot-creating motion (take-on) |
0.50 |
88% |
Carries into ultimate third |
1.27 |
82% |
Stats by way of FBref |
The teenager has additionally managed to outperform his xG from the probabilities which have fallen his means in current months, additional backing up his means to seek out the again of the online comfortable and normally doing so in a scenario the place others would fail.
Given his tender age, it could be an outstanding addition for Maresca this month, having the star high quality to make a direct affect of their quest for a prime 4 spot, while additionally setting them up with a number one talisman for a few years to come back.
The curiosity from elsewhere is a priority, but in addition to be anticipated given his goalscoring file, with proprietor Todd Boehly needing to splash the money over the subsequent week to lastly finish their prolonged anticipate a brand new star ahead.
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