Benjamin Sesko: Chelsea make final decision on €100m transfer

Cameron Smith

• 17 Jun 2025 15:45 BST
• 5 min read

News

Chelsea have reportedly ended their pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko due to the recent arrival of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.

Delap, 22, was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United following an eye-catching debut campaign at Portman Road, however he opted to snub interest from the Red Devils in order to join Chelsea for a fee of €35.5 million in early June.

Current ETV

Benjamin Šeško

F (C)

RB Leipzig

Benjamin Šeško

F (C)

RB Leipzig

€66.9M

ETV Range

€60.2M - €73.6M

View full profile

Enzo Maresca’s side remain interested in bolstering their attack with the addition of at least one more forward, however the signing of Delap has caused them to end their interest in Sesko.

That is according to The Athletic, who claim that Chelsea have monitored the development of Sesko for the past three years. However, he is viewed as a similar player to Delap and the Blues have therefore opted to remove him from their transfer wishlist, leaving Arsenal in pole position to complete a deal this summer.

Sesko has an €80m release clause in his current contract at Leipzig, however reports in Germany speculate that he could cost €100m if clubs wish to split payment terms over multiple years.

What has been said about Liam Delap’s Chelsea debut?

Delap marked his Chelsea debut with an assist off the bench against LAFC on Monday and Levi Colwill was eager to praise the Blues’ new striker after the match.

“I've known Liam for a long time now, and I've played against him loads of times,” Colwill told reporters (as per BBC Sport). “Growing up, you know what sort of players are going to make it and he was always one of those.

“To have him in our team, to train against him, to see him score goals - which I know he will - I'm very excited.

When asked whether Delap will feel the pressure of the infamous No.9 shirt at Chelsea, Colwill replied: “I know he wouldn't listen to that or read too much into it because he's a confident player. He's an amazing player, and we know he's going to score goals for Chelsea. That's the mentality we need from every player.”

Tosin Adarabioyo was equally effervescent with praise for Delap. “He's settled in very well,” the 27-year-old admitted. “He's a good young lad and we know what qualities he brings.

“He's aggressive [when] pressing and an aggressive striker, making sure he's always there, setting the intensity. Hopefully he scores many goals for us.”

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