Chelsea have now entered the race to sign a “phenomenal” striker in the summer, and they hold an advantage over the rival suitors, according to a report.
Blues’ striker search
The Blues have been pursuing a top striker for quite some time, with Victor Osimhen emerging as a major target last summer. However, the move fell through, and Nicolas Jackson has been called upon to lead the line this season.
Jackson made a flying start to the campaign, but the 23-year-old has failed to score this calendar year, and it is becoming pretty clear Enzo Maresca will attempt to bring in an upgrade in the summer window.
Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg recently revealed RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is a target, with Maresca’s side said to hold a concrete interest in the Slovenian, while they are also expected to enter talks to sign Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.
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Chelsea’s ability to attract strikers in Isak’s category will likely hinge upon whether they qualify for the Champions League this season, with the race very close heading into the last 10 games of the Premier League season.
However, the Blues are also starting to make contingency plans in case they miss out on their main targets, and they have now entered the race to sign Strasbourg’s Emanuel Emegha, according to a report from CaughtOffside.
Emegha is viewed as an ideal alternative option, should their pursuits of their main targets be unsuccessful, and the French club would be willing to let him leave for the relatively low fee of between €22m and €25m (£18-21m).
A whole host of Premier League clubs have also shown interest in the striker, namely Everton, West Ham United, Aston Villa and Newcastle United, but Chelsea hold an advantage over the rival suitors.
As Strasbourg are also owned by BlueCo, it will be easier to facilitate a deal, should the Blues decide to make a concrete approach.
“Phenomenal” Emegha impressing in France
The Dutchman has been impressive in front of goal in Ligue 1 this season, netting 11 goals, having been in prolific form this calendar year, picking up a total of eight goals and one assist in 2025.
The 22-year-old has also received high praise from football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who lauded him as “phenomenal”, so there are plenty of indications he could be capable of making the step-up to one of the Premier League’s top clubs at some point.
That said, the Strasbourg star should remain a back-up option for the Blues, given that some of their other summer targets have a lot more experience at the top level.
Chelsea remain interested in Osimhen, despite missing out last summer, and the Nigerian has a proven track record of scoring goals, netting nine in 17 Champions League games, while also scoring 26 times for Napoli in their historic Serie A title-winning season.
