Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, with long-time target Victor Osimhen now looking set to remain at Napoli for the foreseeable future.
The Blues are looking to strengthen their attack this month and had been linked with several players in the lead-up to the transfer window.
Nicolas Jackson has not hit the heights many had expected in a Chelsea jersey and is likely to be out of the squad for a while longer as he is currently on international duty with Senegal, who are heading to the knockout stages in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
Armando Broja has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot since his return to fitness, while Christopher Nkunku has endured injury setbacks that have affected his playing time in Mauricio Pochettino's side.
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According to a report from Ben Jacobs via CaughtOffside, The Blues have identified Sesko as a possible alternative to Napoli's Osimhen, who recently signed a contract extension with the Serie A champions.
The report adds that interest in the highly-rated Slovenian attacker has ramped up in recent days after it was revealed that his release clause is considered a fairly affordable one, believed to be in the region of £43m.
"Chelsea are still exploring strikers for January but will only move if they find the right name," Jacobs said.
"The elite profile they are looking for is only expected to be available in the summer meaning patience may be needed.
"Napoli's Victor Osimhen remains a top target for this summer. Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko is another to watch and has a €50m (£43m) release clause active this summer."
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The 20-year-old made the move to Leipzig from partner club Red Bull Salzburg for a fee understood to be in the region of £55m last July.
However, Sesko has not fully secured a starting spot since joining Leipzig, with head coach Marco Rose preferring record signing Lois Openda over him.
Despite having limited time to shine, the Slovenian has managed to impress onlookers by scoring seven goals in 24 appearances across all competitions this season.
Chelsea currently find themselves in ninth place in the Premier League standings, with 31 points after 21 games, nine points behind Aston Villa in the fourth and final Champions League qualification spot.
The Blues will face The Villans at Stamford Bridge in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday evening.
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