8 Strikers Chelsea and Arsenal Could Target After Benjamin Sesko Extends RB Leipzig Contract

• Sought-after forward Benjamin Sesko will continue at RB Leipzig and has extended his current contract till 2029
• Chelsea and Arsenal were willing to pay his buyout clause of £55 million, but the 21-year-old opted to remain in Germany
• Both clubs will now turn their attention to other number 9 options, including three strikers in the Premier League

Benjamin Sesko extended his RB Leipzig contract for another five years until 2029 after communicating his decision to stay to his transfer suitors yesterday.

The Slovenian forward had interest from Premier League clubs Chelsea and Arsenal, who were willing to pay his buyout clause of £55 million, but he opted to stay in Germany.

According to The Athletic, though there was no formal clause in the new contract, he has a gentleman's agreement with the club to leave in the future for a reasonable fee.

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Chelsea and Arsenal will now turn their attentions to other options after the 21-year-old dashed their hopes of bolstering their attack with his firepower and aerial prowess.

Sports Brief looks at eight strikers the London clubs could target.

Strikers Chelsea and Arsenal could target after Sesko

1. Joshua Zirkzee

The Bologna forward is primed for a departure, especially after Thiago Motta's exit, who got the best out of him. He reportedly has a release clause of €40mil and is one to watch out for by the Gunners, not their rivals.

2. Santiago Gimenez

According to Evening Standard, Mikel Arteta has the Mexican forward in his sights after Sesko opted against a move, and it wasn't like he had decided to sign for Arsenal. Gimenez scored 23 Eredivisie goals at Feyenoord last season under Liverpool boss Arne Slot.

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3. Jhon Duran

According to The Telegraph, the Blues have stepped up their interest in Jhon Duran, whom Aston Villa value at £40mil. The Blues made a move for the Colombian in January and have reignited the interest. He could be involved in a swap deal for Conor Gallagher, whom Unai Emery admires.

4. Dominic Solanke

In the same publication that confirmed Chelsea’s interest in Duran, the Telegraph added that the blue side of London could move for their former academy star Dominic Solanke, who has a release clause of £65mil at Bournemouth. Arsenal are also interested.

5. Ivan Toney

Toney could have sealed a move away from Brentford last summer, but his eight-month betting ban hampered it. The winter transfer window was another opportunity, but he stayed at the Gtech Stadium. Transfer interests around him have cooled, but he is one to watch out for after the Euros.

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6. Victor Osimhen

The stumbling block to the Nigerian striker stealing a move away from Napoli is his release clause of over £100mil, and his wage demand, which has made Chelsea drop interest in him and Arsenal go cold. The turn of events from yesterday could change things for Osimhen.

7. Viktor Gyokeres

Gyokeres was one of the best strikers in the world last season, netting 43 goals in 50 games for Sporting CP. The Stamford Bridge inhabitants are not interested, but Arsenal are staying patient, particularly because of his £86mil release clause.

8. Serhou Guirassy

Guirassy has a modest release clause of £17mil at Stuttgart. The Guinean forward helped the club finish second in the Bundesliga last season, but his age and injury records appear to be the obstacles to his securing a big move.

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