Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners plan Benjamin Sesko talks; club open to Emile Smith Rowe exit, and more - May 16, 2024
Arsenal are looking ahead to their final game of the Premier League season against Everton on Sunday, May 19. Picking up three points against the Toffees will ensure that Mikel Arteta's side win the league if Manchester City drop points against West Ham United.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are planning to bring RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko to the Emirates this summer. Elsewhere, the north London side are willing to offload mdifielder Emile Smith Rowe for a decent fee.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on May 16, 2024:
Arsenal plan Benjamin Sesko talks
Arsenal are planning to hold talks with RB Leipzig regarding a move for Benjamin Sesko this summer, according to Teamtalk.
The Gunners are looking for a new striker to improve their attack. Arteta's team have been outstanding in the final third this season but lack a world-class No.9 in their ranks.
The Spanish manager is unimpressed by Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, who have struggled this season. Sesko, meanwhile, has gone from strength to strength with Leipzig, scoring 17 goals and setting up two in 41 outings across competitions.
His efforts have turned heads at the Emirates, but the north London side face competition from Chelsea, AC Milan and Napoli for the 20-year-old. The player has a €65 million release clause in his contract.
Gunners open to Emile Smith Rowe exit, says journalist
Arsenal could offload Emile Smith Rowe this summer for the right price, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The English midfielder is a forgotten man, appearing just 18 times across competitions this season, starting four. Arteta is spoilt for choice in midfield, so the 23-year-old's situation is unlikely to improve any time soon.
However, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones added that the Gunners will benefit if they keep hold of Smith Rowe.
"I think saying he is available for transfer is slightly strong as from what I have heard so far it’s not quite as defined as that but on the flip side of that, if a good offer comes in for Smith-Rowe then realistically they are going to sell him in the summer," said Jones.
He continued:
"Now, losing players like him and Nketiah and others that are homegrown is a problem moving forward because that status in the squad needs to be replaced and so profiling on transfers has to be very specific and the list becomes a lot smaller."
He concluded:
"So again, I’m not convinced Smith-Rowe goes because he adds something they need to this squad, but equally he will be at a personal stage where he surely wants more game time and there are many clubs in England that would be able to offer him that."
The Englishman's contract with the north London side runs till 2026.
Reiss Nelson likely to leave, according to Fabrizio Romano
Reiss Nelson's time at the Emirates could be coming to an end this summer, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
The English striker has struggled for chances this season and is no longer first-choice under Arteta. Nelson has one goal and three assists from 24 games, but most of those appearances have been off the bench.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that the 24-year-old will consider his future in the summer.
“Another name to watch at Arsenal is Reiss Nelson. It’s a possibility that he could be leaving the club. There was interest in Nelson last summer but he ended up signing a new contract," wrote Romano.
He concluded:
“Still, he will now consider proposals in the summer and Arsenal too; they’re not desperate to part ways, only in case there’s a good proposal in the summer transfer window.”
With the north London side planning to sign a new striker this summer, Nelson could drop further down the pecking order if he stays.