Arsenal in contact with Chelsea target over 2025 summer move - Reports
Arsenal have reportedly initiated talks with former Chelsea target Benjamin Sesko over a move in the summer of 2025. The Gunners retain an interest in the RB Leipzig striker after failing to sign him this summer.
Several clubs were keen on signing the Slovenian this summer, including Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea. But Sesko decided to prioritize his immediate development and chose to extend his contract with RB Leipzig, turning down all transfer offers.
However, Sesko's decision to remain with Leipzig has not sent his admirers away, and Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal have indeed begun talks over a possible transfer next summer. The ace journalist told CaughtOffside that the Emirates outfit want to move ahead in the queue for the talented striker.
One of the most highly-rated young strikers in Europe, Sesko has been likened to Manchester City ace Erling Haaland for his style of play and career path. Like Haaland, he made a name for himself at RB Salzburg. Sesko then headed to the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig while Haaland's next destination after Salzburg was Borussia Dortmund.
Benjamin Sesko has recorded one goal and two assists in three appearances across competitions for RB Leipzig this season. He ended the 2023-24 season with 18 goals and two assists in 42 matches in all competitions.
Arsenal did not rush into the transfer market for another striker after it became apparent that Sesko was not going to leave Leipzig. Mikel Arteta seems keen on the 21-year-old, and he will likely sanction a move for the £55 million-rated striker next summer.
Arsenal star returns to club following national team injury
Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has returned to the club's Colney base after picking up a freak injury while playing for Italy. The young defender is expected to undergo further assessment and commence his rehabilitation after his injury in the UEFA Nations League game against France on Friday, September 6.
Calafiori, a summer addition for the Gunners from Bologna, started for Italy in their 3-1 win over France. The centre-back did not finish the game as French forward Ousmane Dembele fell onto the Italian's foot at an awkward angle, forcing him to leave the pitch injured.
Italy have ruled the 22-year-old out of the upcoming game against Israel on Monday, September 9, despite the injury being regarded as a knock. Luciano Spalletti is keen to avoid any complications with the fitness of the versatile defender and has asked him to return to London, as per CaughtOffside.