As they potentially look to replace Callum Wilson this summer, Newcastle United have reportedly made contact with the entourage of a Champions League-winning striker.
Newcastle transfer news
The Magpies are closing in on what must be an important summer at St James’ Park, with exit rumours continuing to surround star man Alexander Isak. In what would be the move of the transfer window – perhaps in terms of both valuation and the impact it would make – both Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly targeting the Swede, who’s worth £150m.
Whilst there’s no doubt that his exit would leave a gaping hole, Newcastle would at least be free from any PSR constraints to finally welcome reinforcements of their own.
That said, Isak may not be the only one to depart this summer, with Callum Wilson currently on course to leave as a free agent when his contract comes to an end in the coming months. In one swoop, it’s certainly a real possibility that Eddie Howe could be left without both of his strikers.
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If that does prove to be the case, the arrival of one particular target will be more important than ever and the Magpies seem to be well aware of that. According to CaughtOffside, Newcastle have now made contact with Tammy Abraham over a summer move from AS Roma.
The former Chelsea man has spent the campaign on loan at Milan in a mixed spell and has since found himself on the radar of the Tyneside club, along with the likes of Aston Villa and West Ham United.
Whether a return to the Premier League beckons for the 27-year-old remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that he’s one to watch amid growing rumours. An experienced goalscorer these days, he could instantly ease Newcastle’s Wilson blow.
"Amazing" Abraham could make Premier League return
Eyebrows were raised when Abraham swapped Chelsea for Milan in 2021 after winning the Champions League with the Blues, but the forward’s Italian adventure has proved more than worthwhile when fit and firing. Now, five years later, he looks destined to receive the chance to return to England’s top flight as a far more complete player.
Earning the praise of Jose Mourinho during their time together in Rome, the so-called Special One told reporters after a 3-0 win over Monza in 2022: “Today he was my Tammy.
“He played how I wanted him to. He won everything, he kept the ball, he provided an outlet, he won the first ball and he gave us an option in behind to push them back.
“We always talk about strikers when they score and obviously tonight was Paulo [Dybala]’s night, but Tammy was amazing.”
After scoring eight goals in all competitions in more of a backup role on loan at Milan this season, Abraham could yet become the perfect option for Newcastle behind Isak next season.
It’s a role that Wilson has struggled to fulfil amid injury issues, but one which could yet see the former Chelsea man thrive at St James’ Park.
It was an evening for celebration. Manchester United defeated Leicester City 3-0 with relative ease in the Premier League. While they remain 13th, Ruben Amorim’s side are starting to rediscover their touch.
Or, perhaps, unearth new qualities for the first time, with Amorim’s teachings slowly seeping in by some process of osmosis.
Manchester United celebrate after beating Leicester
With a Europa League quarter-final tie awaiting against French club Lyon after the looming international break, hope has been restored that, just like last year, something can be salvaged from this dreary campaign.
And of course, there was one man, quite literally, who was at the centre of all good at Leicester’s King Power Stadium. Bruno Fernandes truly is a marvel.
Bruno Fernandes' performance at Leicester
In a deeper berth, Fernandes went about his business impeccably in midfield, allowing the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho to take the limelight while pulling the strings in the middle.
Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes celebrate
The captain was the architect, creating both of his younger peers’ goals before getting in on the action himself in the late stages, getting his name on the scoresheet to seal the rousing victory.
Football is more than just metrics, but the Portugal star certainly gave a good statistical account of himself, dominating a range of different areas to ensure his squad take off for an international sojourn with spirits high and belief higher still.
However, not everyone shared Bruno’s individual success, with Christian Eriksen struggling to impress from a more advanced position.
Why Amorim must drop Christian Eriksen
Eriksen has been a diligent servant since joining Old Trafford’s cause on a free transfer in 2022, but at 33 he looks past his best and will depart when his contract expires in the summer.
Manchester United's Christian Eriksen
Though Amorim will enjoy three points, there’s little doubt the experienced Dane’s performance will linger in his mind, making any number of misplaced passes early on and lacking the incisiveness or athleticism that a younger and hungrier ball-carrier could have enjoyed in his position to the left of Hojlund.
Though he hit the post with a stunning effort from range ran about, Eriksen was handed a 5/10 rating by GOAL and didn’t prove himself as a standout in the Man United side, failing to win a single duel while also being thwarted with both attempted dribbles.
Minutes played
69′
Goals
0
Assists
0
Touches
42
Shots (on target)
3 (0)
Accurate passes
21/29 (72%)
Key passes
1
Possession lost
14x
Dribbles
0/2
Tackles + interceptions
0
Duels won
0/4
Though Eriksen saw off the match with a bit more polish and consistency, he’s got to be aware he may be among the first names for the chopping block this summer.
INEOS have shown a ruthless streak in recent weeks, and they may want to act on that with this one. Eriksen is a household Premier League name, but he’s no longer able to produce the goods for the Reds, and needs to be axed this summer.
Amad 2.0: Amorim can ease Dorgu blow by handing Man Utd star a new role
Manchester United face Leicester City this afternoon, looking to build on their Europa League triumph.
The USMNT legend sat down with GOAL at TST 2025 to discuss Pulisic's Gold Cup absence and more
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Altidore speaks exclusively about the USMNTGives opinion on Pulisic's Gold Cup absenceShares excitement for next calendar year of soccerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
CARY, N.C. – U.S. men's national team legend Jozy Altidore said he has no issue with Christian Pulisic requesting not to be a part of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup roster. Rather, the 35-year-old is excited to see the group that there for the tournament, ahead of what he describes as a "massive opportunity" for the national team program.
Speaking at The Soccer Tournament 2025, where he is coaching AFC Bournemouth, Altidore reflected on the AC Milan star’s absence and what it could mean for the USMNT heading into the continental competition.
"Listen, this is an opportunity for the team," Altidore told GOAL. "No one player replaces Christian, and if he needed the time off, he needed the time off. This is a chance for the group to come together and really step up with some big absences."
Altidore also shared his excitement about the next year of the footballing calendar for the country. Beginning in June 2025, the CONCACAF Gold Cup and FIFA Club World Cup will both be held in the U.S., and come next summer, the FIFA World Cup will follow in 2026, with matches played in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
"It’s a massive opportunity for soccer in this country, and a chance at a real rebirth for the game here. I’m excited, fans are excited, and the players are excited," he said. "It’s a real opportunity and I’m looking forward to it."
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The U.S. roster for the Gold Cup this summer will feature plenty of new faces, amid an injury crisis, along with a handful of regulars being unavailable. In addition to Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Gio Reyna are unavailable due to the Club World Cup, while teammate of Pulisic's, Yunus Musah, is absent due to "personal reasons."
In the striker position, the U.S. is particularly going to be tested in the competition. Both Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun are missing out due to injury, and after a tough performance in the March Nations League, Josh Sargent was left out of the squad this summer.
An area where Altidore excelled for the USMNT for over a decade, he believes it's a wide-open race at the moment – but with the group available for Mauricio Pochettino this summer, it's all about opportunity. MLS strikers Patrick Agyemang and Brian White are joined by uncapped 20-year-old prospect Damion Downs, Coventry's Haji Wright and FC Utrecht's Paxten Aaronson.
"The striker position is an interesting one," Altidore said. "It’s hard and not easy to play. There is a group of talented guys there, and any one of them could emerge. I’m looking forward to seeing them all."WHAT ALTIDORE SAID ABOUT TST
Altidore was offered the coaching role with Bournemouth at the 7v7 tournament in North Carolina, thanks to U.S. international Tyler Adams – who plays for the senior team in England – and co-owner Michael B. Jordan, via a personal training initiative they collaborated on.
"The conversation stemmed from all of us at Sogility – a soccer tech training facility – and so Bournemouth was interested in partnering with businesses that are trying to push the envelope in soccer, and we started discussing how we could work together on this," Altidore explained. "There were some conversations with Michael's team, that's who I got in touch with originally, and he's getting more and more into soccer, so there was a lot of synergy there. Our groups are partnered on a couple of other ventures, so that just made a lot of sense."
The Soccer TournamentWHAT NEXT?
The USMNT begins their June slate of matches with an international friendly against Turkey on Saturday as part of their preparation for the Gold Cup.
Altidore, meanwhile, will look to lead Bournemouth out of the Group Stage at TST into the knockouts as they hunt for the $1M prize in the 7v7 competition.
India opener is recovering from dengue and has missed the first two games of their World Cup campaign
ESPNcricinfo staff11-Oct-2023Shubman Gill will re-join the Indian team in Ahmedabad but remains doubtful for their World Cup fixture against Pakistan on October 14 as he recovers from dengue.Gill did not travel with the team to Delhi for their second fixture against Afghanistan on Wednesday, after missing India’s opening game of the World Cup against Australia on October 8. He was taken to hospital in Chennai for treatment but was subsequently discharged after his health improved.”Gill is doing absolutely fine and is set to leave Chennai for Ahmedabad today,” a BCCI official told PTI. “It is still not clear whether Gill will have a light training session at Motera on Thursday. His recovery has been fine but can’t really be sure if he can play against Pakistan.”In Gill’s absence, Ishan Kishan opened the innings against Australia along with Rohit. Though India were reduced to 2 for 3 in a chase of 200 – Kishan, Rohit and Shreyas Iyer were dismissed for ducks – they recovered to chase down the target with six wickets in hand and 52 balls to spare.Gill is the leading run-getter in ODIs this year with 1230 runs at an average of 72.35 and a strike rate of 105.03. In his last four ODIs, he has hit two centuries and a half-century.
India captain says players have been given roles but need to be ready to perform different ones should the need arise
ESPNcricinfo staff21-Aug-20232:08
Moody: Flexibility, open mind needed in this day and age
Flexibility in the mind and flexibility in the middle order will be key for India to unlock their batting potential at the ODI World Cup, according to their captain Rohit Sharma.”One thing I want in this team is to make sure everyone is okay to bat anywhere,” Rohit said at a press conference to announce India’s Asia Cup squad in New Delhi. “That’s one thing we need to keep in mind. You need flexibility, guys who can step up at any position. No one should say, ‘I’m good at this position or I’m good at that position’. You want guys to be able to bat anywhere, that’s the message conveyed to every individual. Not now, but over the last three-four years.”In a sense, Rohit was reiterating the views of former India coach Ravi Shastri, who earlier in the week spoke of no player owning any one position and how even someone as senior as Virat Kohli should drop down to No. 4 if the team combination demanded it.Related
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“I know it’s tough for guys on the outside to understand why a guy who bats at six is batting at four, but the message has been given. This is international sport, not club cricket, that you’re talking about. It’s not like we go to sleep giving a position for a certain player and then change it the next morning.”We say, ‘this is what we want’. You don’t want to be handicapped or stuck with one player batting in one position. Having said that, you want to get the best out of players in certain positions. All seven-eight numbers are open to anyone, that’s the message we have sent out for so many years now.”Rohit cited Axar Patel’s example to emphasise what he meant. He felt Axar is better suited to disrupt the opposition as a floater who can take the game on at any position in the batting unit. Rohit felt this skill gave him the edge over, say R Ashwin or Washington Sundar.”Where things boil down to is the batting option at No. 8 and 9,” Rohit said. “Axar, you know he’s had a good run this year, batted well in white-ball cricket. He didn’t get much opportunity in red-ball, but played well in white-ball, especially IPL. He had a few opportunities in the West Indies but couldn’t make it big, but with him being there, it gives us the option of having a left-hander who can go up the order and play spinners if required, and also create batting depth.”Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar address a press conference where India’s squad for the Asia Cup was announced•AFP via Getty ImagesAjit Agarkar, India’s chairman of selectors, further clarified Rohit’s views on flexibility.”Rohit didn’t say anyone can play anywhere,” Agarkar said. “What he said is a player should be flexible in the mind. A player knows his role, where he’s going to play, which over he’s likely to bowl. A new-ball bowler will bowl with the new ball, or whether he can bowl in middle overs – those roles are set. But as the game or tournament evolves, you look at someone’s form or the team’s form, against whom you are playing, players should be flexible in the mind.”Every captain has a plan that this batter will bat here, and we will play in this specific way, but as the tournament progresses, if someone’s form is good, someone is playing well or match-ups dictate playing someone against a certain bowler, we’re talking about that kind of flexibility, which is important. That much talent is there in the team. If there’s talent that flexibility will come. It doesn’t mean role is not specified, roles are specified, you feel comfortable because of that.”
“It’s not like opener bat at eight and eight opens, we don’t do such mad things. Little bit of flexibility up and down is needed in a team.”Rohit Sharma
At this point, Rohit stepped in to clarify his comments on flexibility and why it shouldn’t be taken literally.”When I said flexibility is important, it’s not like I’m implying send the opener at No. 7 or open the batting with Hardik Pandya,” Rohit said. “Shikhar [Dhawan] and Rohit have only opened in the last seven-eight years, Kohli has batted only at three. Youngsters who come in at four-five, it’s important for them to be flexible, batting up and down.”In the last four-five years if you look, the opener has opened, No. 3 has batted at three, KL [Rahul] has batted five, Hardik six, [Ravindra] Jadeja seven. Four and five, sometimes if they move up and down, there’s no problem. That much flexibility is important. Our position too when we came in, we batted up and down, I’m talking of that flexibility. It’s not like opener bat at eight and eight opens, we don’t do such mad things. Little bit of flexibility up and down is needed in a team.”
When Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS purchased a 27.7% stake in Manchester United in February 2024 and took control of the club’s football operations, fans hoped it would mark the beginning of a new era – one that would finally steer the club away from the mismanagement of the Glazer years.
However, rather than a fresh start, United have only sunk deeper into crisis.
On the pitch, the team’s performances have deteriorated further. After spending £14.5m in compensation to sack Erik ten Hag and replace him with Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils subsequently slipped to their worst ever Premier League campaign in 2024/25.
Off the pitch, Old Trafford remains in a state of disrepair, while Ratcliffe has implemented a ruthless cost-cutting regime in an attempt to rescue the club from the financial mess left by the Glazers. Staff have been let go, departments have been streamlined and even basic amenities have reportedly been scaled back.
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While some would argue that these measures are necessary to stabilise the club, Ratcliffe’s hands-on approach has caused friction between INEOS and the club’s fans, who once believed his arrival would usher in a period of much-needed stability, but are now questioning whether his leadership is doing more harm than good.
Here, we list some of the worst things Ratcliffe has overseen at the club since joining, from brutal decisions to embarrassing faux pas.
1 Ordering mass redundancies
Since taking charge at United, Ratcliffe has cut the club’s workforce by almost a quarter.
In July of last year, approximately 250 members of staff were made redundant across all departments. At the time, reports suggested that Ratcliffe and his football operations team implemented mass redundancies to redirect the savings into the club’s transfer budget.
That was followed by an announcement that a further 150-200 people were to be made redundant in an effort to “return the club to profitability”.
“We have lost money for the past five consecutive years. This cannot continue. Our two main priorities as a club are delivering success on the pitch for our fans and improving our facilities. We cannot invest in these objectives if we are continuously losing money,” Omar Berrada, Manchester United’s CEO, said in a statement.
According to BBC Sport, United’s canteen staff are among those facing job losses, as the club plans to shut it down. In its place, the club will offer a free piece of fruit for employees as part of the cost-cutting measures.
More recently, the Daily Mail outlined that a new round of job cuts, potentially impacting a further 200 staff, is set to take place.
2 Ending Sir Alex Ferguson's contract
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, new owner of Manchester United at a Premier League game
In October, Sir Alex Ferguson became the most high-profile casualty of Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures at Old Trafford when his lucrative contract as a global ambassador was terminated.
The legendary manager, who led United to 38 major trophies, including 13 Premier League titles, had been receiving a multi-million-pound salary from the club since his retirement in 2013.
Club sources claimed Ferguson accepted the decision amicably after a direct conversation with Ratcliffe, but United icon Eric Cantona was far less diplomatic, calling the move “scandalous”.
“Sir Alex Ferguson should be able to do anything he wants at the club until the day he dies,” wrote the Frenchman on Instagram. “Such a lack of respect.”
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ByRoss Kilvington Jan 24, 2025 3 Matchday cuts
Even those still employed at United have felt the impact of Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures.
According to a Daily Mail exclusive from last August, funding for various matchday services was significantly reduced. Agency staff, who were previously provided with lunch, were instead told to eat leftovers from the food supplied to corporate guests.
Some workers even claimed they were forced to eat near toilets. “They’ve set up a dining table next to four toilet cubicles,” one said. “You come out of the cubicle, and someone is sitting right in front of you, eating.”
Additionally, matchday programme distribution was scaled back, with corporate suites receiving only five programmes per box – despite each suite accommodating 10 fans. United defended the decision, stating it was made to reduce waste.
4 Cancelling the staff Christmas party
Man Utd execs – Ashworth, Ratcliffe, Berrada
If there’s one surefire way to lose the goodwill of your staff, it’s by cancelling their annual Christmas party – and that’s exactly what Ratcliffe did last year.
According to The Athletic, the decision was part of a broader crackdown on what Ratcliffe considered unnecessary staff expenses. Other cost-cutting measures included revoking club credit cards from senior executives and scrapping free staff travel to May’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.
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ByRoss Kilvington Feb 20, 2025 5 Cutting charity funding for ex-players
According to reports in December, Ratcliffe made the controversial decision to halt Manchester United’s annual £40,000 donation to a charity supporting former players.
The Association of Former Manchester United Players, established in 1985, provides financial assistance to ex-players who didn’t benefit from the lucrative salaries of the modern game. Among the 300 former footballers it supports are club legends like Bryan Robson and Denis Irwin.
Jim Elms, an 84-year-old trustee who played for United’s youth and reserve teams between 1957 and 1960, called the decision “ridiculous”.
“We sent a letter to say we hadn’t been paid. Nobody informed us, so we had to send another letter. That’s when we started hearing rumours that it was the end for us.”
6 Snubbing the women's team
Ratcliffe appears to be highly focused on every financial detail at Old Trafford, but when it comes to Manchester United’s women’s team, he seems largely out of touch.
According to The Telegraph, during a tour of the women’s training facilities shortly after completing his takeover, Ratcliffe failed to recognise Katie Zelem, the club’s then-captain, despite her being with United since the age of eight. When he asked her what her role was, Zelem had to explain that she was the team’s skipper. Zelem has since left the club.
Ratcliffe’s lack of engagement with the women’s team was further highlighted in May, when he came under criticism for opting to watch the men’s Premier League clash against Arsenal rather than attending the women’s FA Cup final, where United triumphed 4-0 over Tottenham.
This is in stark contrast to when he raced over to Wembley for the men’s semi-final win over Coventry City in April moments after completing the London Marathon.
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Essex must win at Surrey to stand any chance of a place in quarter-finals
ECB Reporters Network30-Jun-2023Middlesex 226 for 8 (Higgins 61, Critchley 5-28) beat Essex 225 for 6 (Sams 69*) by two wicketsRyan Higgins led Middlesex to a second unlikely victory in three Vitality Blast matches to leave Essex’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage hanging by a thread.The Middlesex all-rounder’s 61 was plundered off just 24 balls and included three sixes and eight fours. It laid the foundations for a chase after 226 runs only surpassed by their record 253 to beat Surrey last week.Even Matt Critchley’s career-best 5 for 28 could not prevent Middlesex reaching their target with two balls to spare for only their second win of the season.Essex now head to The Oval on Sunday where they must beat Surrey to stand any chance of a place in next week’s quarter-finals.Essex owed their 225 for 6 to a splendid 69 off 34 balls from all-rounder Daniel Sams that included six sixes. Essex’s innings yielded 16 sixes, during which Sams, Michael Pepper (32) and Paul Walter (45) all passed 300 runs in this year’s competition.Essex, put in, typically lost three wickets in the powerplay while creeping along to 52 runs. It was the calm before the storm. Feroze Khushi was first to go taking a swing at Ethan Bamber and picking out deep mid-off.Adam Rossington, returning after a finger injury, hit two sixes, one ramped off Tom Helm, before edging behind for 19 off 13 balls.Dan Lawrence completed the trio of early wickets when he retreated towards square leg against Josh De Caires and found himself stretching in vain as the ball thudded into his stumps. Lawrence showed his anger with himself by kicking furiously at the blameless crease.However, the run-rate accelerated once Walter joined Pepper and the pair put on 36 inside four overs. Pepper hammered six fours and a six into the pavilion in a 20-ball knock before he leaned back and slashed Martin Andersson to backward point.Walter, who had recorded single-figure scores in his previous two innings, was back to big-hitting form. The second of the quartet of sixes was the longest, clearing the scorers’ box over de Caires’s head. He perished when slicing Luke Hollman to cover point.Sams slipped almost seamlessly into Walter’s boots and battered 43 of the runs in a fifty partnership for the sixth wicket, in which Matt Critchley contributed three. However, Critchley still hit three sixes in an 18-ball 36 before he was caught by Joe Cracknell sliding in from the midwicket boundary. The pair had shared a stand of 79 in six overs.Sams’s eyes lit up in the final over in which Andersson conceded 26 runs, including three sixes, two off the last two balls, the first over fine leg, the second over third man.The ubiquitous Sams was back on the scorecard when he held a pull from Stevie Eskinazi on the boundary to give Aaron Beard a wicket as Middlesex got off to a steady start in reply. He was in the same position to take the catch that ended Max Holden’s whirlwind 15 off five balls during which 32 runs were compiled from just nine balls in partnership with Higgins.Before that, Cracknell was dropped by Rossington on four and added six, four and a six in his 36 before misreading Critchley and seeing his bails dislodged.Higgins reached his fifty from 20 balls with his third six, swept off Walter, but eventually fell when he pulled Critchley straight into Beard’s hands on the midwicket fence.The third and fourth wickets, with Higgins at the helm, accumulated 78 runs off 24 balls. But three wickets in seven balls turned the tide back in Essex’s favour as Middlesex slide from 173 for 4 to 175 for 7. Sams tempted John Simpson in pick out short midwicket and Critchley had Hollman caught by Beard at mid-on and Alex Davies leg before.Middlesex needed nine off the last over with two wickets standing but a six by Andersson off Walter’s third ball all but wrapped it up.
Arsenal have been told exactly what it will take for Benjamin Sesko to leave RB Leipzig this summer, as his agent speaks out about reports linking his client with a move away from the Red Bull Arena.
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Sesko has just finished a career-best Bundesliga campaign, bagging 21 goals in all competitions, but he couldn’t quite guide Leipzig to a European spot – with the Germans missing out on a place in the Conference League, Europa League and Champions League.
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
It is the first time Leipzig haven’t qualified for Europe since their top-flight arrival in 2016, and this will surely get Sesko thinking about his immediate future as Arsenal reportedly circle to offer him a route out.
The Slovenia international is a top target for Gunners manager Mikel Arteta, who’s been chasing his signature for 12 months.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates their second goal scored by Lukas Klostermann
Arsenal had a proposal rejected for Sesko last summer, who instead put pen to paper on a contract extension to remain at Leipzig and further his development, with the north Londoners also having an attempt rebuffed in January (Ben Jacobs).
They’re now trying to make it ‘third-time-lucky’ with another move for Sesko, and “concrete talks” have been taking place since late May (Florian Plettenberg). However, as things stand, Sky Germany are reporting that Arsenal are unwilling to match Leipzig’s financial demands for the centre-forward.
With plenty of work still to do, the 22-year-old’s own representative, Elvis Basanovic, has now provided an update on his client’s future in an interview with GiveMeSport this week.
Arsenal told key transfer condition by Benjamin Sesko's agent
Speaking to GMS, Basanovic has revealed the key condition for Sesko to depart Leipzig before summer deadline day on September 1.
The agent claims he’ll only leave Leipzig for a “special” new destination, refusing to clarify whether Arsenal fall into this category. When asked if the plan for Sesko is to find a new club, Basanovic said: “Well, his numbers at his age compared to some strikers with already great careers at his age are confirming my words.
“He will move from RB Leipzig only when we recognise a special club, a special project with a special coach.”
More worryingly for Arteta, the intermediary even suggested that Sesko could stay at Leipzig for years if they deem it the right call.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskoscores their first goal from the penalty spot
“It can be next week, or next year, or in 3 years,” Basanovic continued.
“Even if there may be – or will be – a strong desire of the player to move to a certain club, we will never force or blackmail RB Leipzig. I believe this is not the right way, because the way you actually exit from the club shows your values. Values that you are bringing into a new club.
“I can understand in very big transfers, there are a lot of different interests, but no matter what, I believe in the football world ‘there’ should be more respect. So that’s why we do things in the right way, or we don’t do them. It’s very simple, even maybe in the media it looks very complicated.”
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da cassino： New sporting director Andrea Berta is currently busy attempting to negotiate agreeable terms on a deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, but find themselves some way off the Bundesliga side’s asking price of around £68-85 million, according to Sky Germany’s (Florian Plettenberg).
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)
Money on new signings
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
Arsenal negotiations for Sesko have been ongoing since late May, but if a deal cannot be struck for the Slovenia international, Berta does have other reported striker targets on his shortlist.
Arsenal have also worked on a deal for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, who is currently keen on a move to north London and open to joining other high-profile Premier League suitors like Man United.
“Viktor Gyökeres prefers a move to the Premier League, and would welcome an Arsenal bid,” reported Ben Jacobs on X recently.
“Arsenal still deciding between Benjamin Sesko and Gyökeres. Andrea Berta simultaneously advancing both deals. Gyökeres would be open to Manchester United. There has been no formal rejection, but a deal to date has also never been at an advanced stage, despite suggestions.
“United have not made any formal approach to Sporting. Swedish striker one of several striker options discussed. Gyökeres believes he’ll still be allowed to leave Sporting for €70m. Arsenal have always been one to watch, but it will depend on Berta now because he is also in ongoing talks for Sesko at the same time, with a bid for one of the two targets expected soon.”
Either centre-forward would be an upgrade on Arteta’s current options. Sesko is fresh off a career-best Bundesliga campaign at Leipzig, while Gyokeres has just guided Sporting to their first domestic double in 20 years after scoring 54 goals in all competitions.
However, Arsenal now also have a new left-field option.
Arsenal offered Dynamo Kyiv striker Vladyslav Vanat
According to website Just Arsenal, Dynamo Kyiv striker Vladyslav Vanat has been put forward to Arteta’s side.
Vanat scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, helping Kyiv to lift the Ukranian Premier League title whilst ending the season unbeaten. He also finished 2024/2025 as the division’s top scorer with 17, and this has attracted some attention from England.
It is now believed that Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Vanat, who has a reported £17 million release clause in his contract. Arteta doesn’t view the 23-year-old’s signing as an urgent need right now, but is fully aware of Vanat’s quality, so it’s apparently a situation they could revisit later in the window.
However, if they do decide they want him, Arsenal will need to be wary of rival interest. Manchester United, Leeds United, Everton, and Tottenham are all keen on Vanat, with the latter even viewing him as a “priority signing” for new manager Frank.
Players, present and past, sent out congratulatory messages to Ajinkya Rahane’s team on social media
ESPNcricinfo staff29-Dec-2020
To win a Test match without Virat, Rohit, Ishant & Shami is a terrific achievement.
Loved the resilience and character shown by the team to put behind the loss in the 1st Test and level the series.
Brilliant win. Well done TEAM INDIA! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/64A8Xes8NF
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 29, 2020
When your backs are up against the wall, lean back and enjoy the support of the wall!! Well done to the entire team and what a win that was. Special mention to Mohd Siraj and @RealShubmanGill .@ajinkyarahane88 @cheteshwar1 @Jaspritbumrah93 @y_umesh @imjadeja pic.twitter.com/4t8IlxZFlW
— Ashwin (@ashwinravi99) December 29, 2020
What a win this is, absolutely amazing effort by the whole team. Couldn't be happier for the boys and specially Jinks who led the team to victory amazingly. Onwards and upwards from here
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) December 29, 2020
Come backs are always harder but team India did it with class. @BCCI #AUSvsIND
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 29, 2020
Stunning response from India after the 1st test, Australia’s top order have been horribly exposed, some tough decisions required. #AUSvIND
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) December 29, 2020
Special team, special win pic.twitter.com/0SpJ6psra6
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) December 29, 2020
India owe this win to their bowlers, but this was Rahane's Test. Scored a rousing hundred, and made equally vital contributions as captain and leader: Bold and spot-on selections, superb tactics on the field, and that classy touch with Jadeja after the runout #INDvAUS
— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) December 29, 2020
36 all out was terribly ‘freakish’ but an 8wkt win is not…I hope Indns can forget both..one as a nightmare & the other as nothing to float on cloud nine..still 2 more Tests to go..& plenty of work to do..stay calm Fellas as yur Capt @ajinkyarahane88 & ‘think’ how to outwit OZ!
— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) December 29, 2020
Lot of positives from this win. Rahane led the side brilliantly, bowlers were relentless but the biggest positive is the performance of two debutants. Both of them were confident and not overawed by the big occasion. Strength of Indian cricket is their strong bench strength.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 29, 2020
A win to remember. A win to cherish. Considering the Adelaide debacle and the quality of players unavailable for this game, it will go down as one of India’s finest wins overseas. Well done, Rahane and co. #AusvInd
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 29, 2020
Great win for India . New star on the horizon @RealShubmanGill . Wonderful captain’s knock from @ajinkyarahane88 leading from the front 4 excellent days of test match cricket .
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) December 29, 2020
Huge congratulations to India. 1-1 what a series we have! Brilliant @ajinkyarahane88 and congrats to Gill and Siraj on wonderful debuts #AUSvIND
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) December 29, 2020
Fantastic win for the Team India at the MCG. Character and composure shown throughout the game was excellent to watch @bcci
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) December 29, 2020
Well done team India @BCCI. Never underestimate a wounded tiger#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/4kCHgRyW4i
— DK (@DineshKarthik) December 29, 2020
Overcoming all the odds. Strong showing by the team at MCG. Thank you to all the fans for your support pic.twitter.com/XNxbH1pj0h
— Shubman Gill (@RealShubmanGill) December 29, 2020
Congratulations Team India on a fantastic come back. @ajinkyarahane88’s great captaincy lead to an incredible win. @RealShubmanGill well done, Way to go! #INDvsAUSTest pic.twitter.com/pmo60h1xAG
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) December 29, 2020
Spirited performance and a great comeback by the team.@BCCI pic.twitter.com/L4xyJXxugM