Chelsea ‘eyeing second Leipzig transfer’ after Christopher Nkunku with Man Utd also keen

CHELSEA are widely expected to bring Christopher Nkunku to Stamford Bridge before the start of next season.

Posted Wednesday, October 05, 2022 by Express.co.uk

Chelsea are said to be one of several clubs with a keen interest in snapping up Benjamin Sesko, who was linked with a move to Manchester United over the summer, from RB Leipzig before the start of next season. The Blues are currently in talks with Leipzig over the signing of Christopher Nkunku and have been tipped to raid the German heavyweights once again for the services of Sesko when the campaign draws to a close.

Leipzig officially confirmed the signing of Sesko on a five-year deal back in August, although the player is only set to make the switch at the start of next season. It seems as though Leipzig could face the possibility of losing Sesko before he has even kicked a ball for them, with Chelsea and United among the clubs weighing up a move for his signature next summer, according to 90min.

It is said that Chelsea's scouts are particularly keen admirers of Sesko, who was mentioned in connection with a potential Premier League move during the summer before eventually opting to join Leipzig. The Blues are thought to view the 19-year-old as a viable candidate to lead the line on a long-term basis despite signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona prior to last month's transfer deadline.

United, meanwhile, explored the idea of landing Sesko before Leipzig swooped to obtain his signature but could reignite their interest in the forward at the end of the campaign. Those in power at Old Trafford would still be eager to bring him to Manchester if the opportunity arises, while Bayern Munich are also said to be keeping a close eye on the situation.

Chelsea are reportedly keen to raid Leipzig for Sesko and Nkunku ahead of next season

There is a feeling that a summer deal for Sesko may suit all parties, with Leipzig willing to sell as long as they can make a significant profit on the Slovenia international. They have reportedly placed a valuation of around £52million on the player, while a strong final season at Salzburg could see his asking price rise even higher over the coming months.

However, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will be able to nip ahead of United and the rest of the competition in the race to land Sesko when the bidding opens at the end of the current season. He has already been likened to Manchester City forward Erling Haaland as a result of his tall frame and impressive goalscoring prowess, but his agent Elvis Basanovic was quick to play down the similarities between the two players when quizzed on the comparisons earlier this year.

"Many compare him to Haaland, but I think they are different types of players," Basanovic told Zurnal 24. "They are similar in physical construction and speed, but they are different players. Benjamin is more of a team player.

"He is maybe better technically with his skills, but Haaland is a bit more wild with his energy, in a positive sense. He remains a humble, hard-working boy."