Football
Arsenal in talks to sign £92.5m star as Mikel Arteta approves deal
Arsenal have stepped up their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko, holding serious discussions with both RB Leipzig and the striker as they aim to secure a key addition to their attacking lineup this summer.
Mikel Arteta has made it clear that landing a top-tier forward is a priority, and he has greenlit the club’s move for the 21-year-old Slovenian, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Sesko found the back of the net 21 times last season for Leipzig. Although this tally trails behind other Arsenal-linked forwards like Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen, the Gunners are drawn to Sesko’s potential.
At 21, he is five years younger than both Gyokeres and Osimhen, which gives Arsenal hope he can evolve into a Premier League standout with the right development.
Despite their focus on Sesko, Arsenal haven’t entirely ruled out a move for Gyokeres, who remains on the radar of Manchester United and Chelsea.
However, current reports suggest Sesko is the club’s main target, with active talks underway between the Gunners, RB Leipzig, and the player himself regarding a potential switch to north London.
Arsenal have been monitoring Sesko for some time, having shown interest in both last summer and during the January window. However, their failure to bring in a striker in either period ultimately cost them, highlighting the need for reinforcements ahead of the new campaign.
Sesko is understood to have a verbal agreement in place with Leipzig allowing him to leave this summer, but the Bundesliga side are demanding a steep £92.5 million fee. Arsenal are expected to negotiate that number down, aiming for a figure between £60-70 million.
The club’s hierarchy, including Arteta and his coaching team, are all reportedly eager to see him in an Arsenal shirt.
Sesko joined Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg in 2023 for £20 million and has since recorded two strong seasons in Germany. With 16 goals in 41 appearances for Slovenia, he’s widely tipped to become the nation’s finest-ever player.
While Gyokeres and Osimhen delivered significantly higher goal totals last season—54 for Sporting and 36 for Galatasaray respectively—Arsenal see more long-term upside in Sesko’s profile.
Gyokeres is still linked with Premier League clubs, but Osimhen looks increasingly likely to move to Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s interest in all three strikers appears to have cooled following their agreement to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.
Addressing rumors surrounding his future, Sesko recently acknowledged Leipzig’s role in his growth and emphasized he’s taking things “day by day.” He expressed a desire to eventually play for a club that best fits his ambitions and allows him to flourish, while noting he remains committed to Leipzig until anything changes.
Football
FIFA finally sanctions Israel and sounds message for peace: Here’s why
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has taken action against the Israel Football Association (IFA) after finding breaches of its rules relating to offensive conduct, fair play, and incidents involving discrimination and racist behavior.
As part of the ruling, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000 (around €165,000), with conditions attached. The federation is required to roll out preventive measures, including displaying a clear anti-discrimination message at its next three home matches in FIFA competitions. The message, which promotes unity and rejects discrimination, must appear alongside the federation’s emblem, with its design, size, and placement submitted to FIFA for approval at least 15 days before each fixture.
Beyond matchday requirements, the IFA must also take longer-term action. Within 60 days, it is expected to allocate one-third of the fine toward a detailed anti-discrimination initiative. This program is set to include structural improvements, defined protocols, monitoring systems, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official platforms throughout an entire season, all subject to FIFA’s approval. The remaining portion of the fine must be settled within 30 days. FIFA has also issued a formal warning regarding future conduct, with the option for the IFA to appeal the decision.
In relation to a separate complaint raised by the Palestinian Football Association concerning teams based in disputed territories, FIFA chose not to impose any measures. The governing body pointed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the West Bank under international law, but emphasized its willingness to encourage dialogue and mediation between both sides.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reiterated the organization’s stance on the role of football during periods of political tension, stressing that while the sport cannot solve global conflicts, it can still play a part in bringing people together and fostering understanding through competitions like the World Cup.
Football
New angle emerges of massive brawl in Brazil: Brutal close-range fight footage (VIDEO)
The Minas Gerais state championship final between Cruzeiro Esporte Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro ended in chaos on Sunday, with a massive on-field brawl. Cruzeiro secured a 1-0 victory, but the match will be remembered for the violent fallout.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that the referee issued an additional 23 red cards following the melee.
The incident that sparked the conflict occurred in the 97th minute inside Atletico’s penalty area after a collision between Christian of Cruzeiro and home goalkeeper Everson. Everson reacted aggressively, first pushing Christian and then pinning him to the ground with both knees.
Close-range footage of the altercation later surfaced online, showing the intensity of the clash and adding fuel to an already controversial derby.
This extraordinary sequence will likely result in disciplinary action from the league and raises questions about player conduct in high-stakes matches.
Football
Michael Carrick blow as ‘prominent’ target on Man Utd’s managerial shortlist is ‘keen’ on Old Trafford job
Former Brighton & Hove Albion FC boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly “keen” on becoming the next manager of Manchester United FC.
The 46-year-old is currently without a club after leaving Olympique de Marseille by mutual agreement last month. Both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur FC have been linked with a summer move for the Italian as they search for a permanent head coach.
According to reports from The Telegraph, De Zerbi would favour the Old Trafford role if given the choice.
His potential appointment could be a setback for interim United boss Michael Carrick, who has largely impressed since taking charge in January.
Carrick suffered his first defeat on Wednesday as United lost to Newcastle United FC, with goals from Anthony Gordon and William Osula sealing the result.
Despite that setback, several United players are believed to support Carrick being given the role permanently. Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are reportedly impressed by his tactical ideas and deep understanding of the game.
United’s hierarchy have yet to decide whether to stick with the former England international or appoint a new manager. Other names linked with the role include Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto Martínez.
De Zerbi has also been mentioned as a potential candidate at Tottenham. Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
The club dismissed former head coach Thomas Frank last month and appointed Igor Tudor as interim manager.
Tudor has yet to register a win, but after a recent defeat to Crystal Palace FC he insisted the team is still moving in the right direction.
“Unfortunately this is the moment we pay for everything. One red card changes everything,” Tudor said.
“Maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than before. I saw something. I need to choose the right players because the boat is going in the direction that I want it to go.
“When the injured players return, I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will come. It’s not easy to accept where we are now, but it is how it is.”
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