Football
Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd set new price to sign Benjamin Sesko
Premier League giants Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United have been alerted to a new valuation for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, who continues to attract interest across Europe.
The Slovenian forward has been in sensational form for Leipzig over the past two seasons, scoring 18 goals last term and already eclipsing that mark this year. His contributions have helped push Leipzig to fourth in the Bundesliga standings.
Despite earlier suggestions of a £60 million release clause through a gentleman’s agreement, reports from Germany now claim Leipzig are aiming for a significantly higher transfer fee. The Bundesliga side hopes to command €100 million (£86 million) for Sesko, potentially making him their most expensive sale to date.
This would surpass the £77 million they received from Manchester City for Josko Gvardiol, the Croatian defender who became the world’s most expensive player in his position in 2023.
Sesko is believed to be open to a move, seeing this summer as the ideal moment to step up to a club competing for major domestic and European honors.
That stance has piqued the interest of several Premier League sides, especially Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United, who are all seeking to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new campaign.
Arsenal in particular are eager to strengthen their front line, having operated with limited attacking depth in the latter part of the season. With midfielders like Mikel Merino filling in as makeshift strikers, it’s clear that manager Mikel Arteta is targeting a proven No. 9.
The Gunners were previously linked with a January move for England international Ollie Watkins, but their approach was rejected by Aston Villa. Alongside Sesko, Arsenal are also monitoring Alexander Isak, Victor Osimhen, and Liam Delap as potential targets.
Chelsea remain in the hunt as well, with their current striker Nicolas Jackson struggling for consistency and fitness throughout the season. The Blues are also reportedly assessing several forwards, including many of the same names on Arsenal’s radar.
Meanwhile, Manchester United, under new boss Ruben Amorim, are expected to explore forward options to complement or replace Rasmus Højlund, who has managed only three league goals so far this season. The club’s summer budget is still uncertain under the stewardship of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but United are reportedly open to pursuing cheaper alternatives if Sesko’s price remains high. Delap, who may be available for around £30 million, could be a more cost-effective solution.
Sesko’s rise hasn’t gone unnoticed by former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp either. Now involved in an advisory capacity with the Red Bull group, Klopp has previously praised the 20-year-old striker, describing him as a “good player” and expressing hope that Sesko will continue scoring more goals.
Klopp noted that he’s been aware of the striker’s talents since his days at Red Bull Salzburg, further underlining the player’s long-standing potential.
With the transfer window approaching, Sesko is expected to be at the center of an intense battle among Europe’s elite clubs.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is reportedly determined to force a move to Barcelona this summer.
The England international joined Aston Villa on loan in January and has impressed with four goals and six assists in 17 outings under Unai Emery, although a recent hamstring issue has kept him sidelined.
Villa hold an option to sign Rashford permanently for £40 million this summer, but they have yet to decide whether to trigger it—and they do not possess first refusal, meaning Manchester United could sell him elsewhere.
Rashford was heavily linked with Barcelona in January, but financial constraints scuppered a deal and opened the door for Villa.
Rashford ’looking to force’ Barcelona switch
Despite enjoying his spell in the West Midlands, Barcelona remain Rashford’s preferred destination.
According to Sport, his representatives have approached the Catalan giants about a potential loan move, though United would need to subsidise part of his £325,000‑a‑week wages—or Barcelona would have to agree to a significant pay cut on his behalf.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia and across the Premier League are also monitoring the situation, but Rashford has made it clear that he only wants to join Hansi Flick’s side.
Would Man United accept another loan deal?
Selling Rashford this summer would count as pure profit for United under Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules, thanks to his home‑grown status.
While United are keen to reinvest any funds raised, it’s hard to see them agreeing to another loan—especially one that leaves them covering part of his salary.
That said, they might contemplate a move with a mandatory purchase clause in 2026, giving them both short‑term flexibility and long‑term certainty.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly growing concerned that Ruben Amorim might walk away from Manchester United.
After Erik ten Hag’s dismissal in October 2024 following a 2-1 loss to West Ham, United moved swiftly to bring in Amorim on the back of his success at Sporting CP.
Yet translating his tactics at Old Trafford has proven challenging, with the Red Devils languishing in 16th place in the Premier League.
Despite domestic struggles, United have excelled in Europe and stand one win away from securing Champions League football by beating Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday’s Europa League final.
Amorim himself hinted at the possibility of an early exit if results don’t improve, saying, “It’s a decisive moment in the history of the club. We need to be really strong in the summer and to be brave because we will not have a next season like this. If we start like this, if the feeling is still here, we should give the space to different people.”
According to The Sun, Ratcliffe—United’s minority owner and INEOS chairman—“remains concerned” that Amorim may decide “enough is enough after a campaign of chaos.”
The report suggests Ratcliffe views the 40-year-old Portuguese as somewhat of a “loose cannon” and wants reassurance that Amorim will honour the final two years of his contract rather than depart and leave the club in disarray.
Ahead of the crucial final, Amorim appeared undeterred, insisting on his belief in the squad’s readiness. “I am really confident. I feel that my players are ready for this game. They know what it means, not just for us but for our fans and for the club.
After this season, we are ready to fight for the one thing that can help us remember this season in a different way.
So I am really confident.” With both Ratcliffe’s concerns and Amorim’s resolve laid bare, all eyes will be on Wembley to see whether the Europa League final serves as a turning point for United’s tumultuous season.
Football
Ex Arsenal star Lacazette’s home burgled while playing final game for Lyon with cash and jewellery stolen
Alexandre Lacazette’s home was targeted by burglars while he was on the pitch for Lyon last night, according to French outlet Le Progrès.
The 33‑year‑old, playing his 391st and final match for his boyhood club, was facing Angers at Groupama Stadium when two intruders are reported to have broken into his residence in Lyon’s fifth arrondissement around 9.30 pm local time.
Once inside, they accessed a safe and made off with jewellery, luxury leather goods and cash, with the stolen haul “claimed to be tens of thousands of pounds.”
Security cameras captured the suspects, and police launched an investigation after the burglary was officially reported at 1.30 am.
Lacazette rose through Lyon’s youth system before joining Arsenal in 2017, then returned to France in 2022.
Manager Paulo Fonseca recently confirmed that Lacazette will depart when his contract expires this summer, as Lyon look to balance the books amid financial concerns.
In recognition of his service, supporters unveiled a giant tifo before kick‑off, and Lacazette honored them by scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory over Angers—his 200th and 201st for the club—securing a sixth‑place finish.
He joins several teammates who have suffered similar crimes in recent seasons, including Georges Mikautadze, who was robbed at gunpoint last December, and Dejan Lovren, who faced an attempted break‑in in October 2023.
-
Football1 week agoAntony scores another worldie with stunning free-kick vs ex-Man Utd team-mate
-
Football1 day agoGuardiola refuses to shake hands with Palace star as Man City boss makes his feelings clear at the final whistle
-
Football1 week agoREVEALRD: Why do Man Utd have (Red) as their shirt sponsor vs West Ham
-
Football1 week agoMan Utd wonderkid dubbed ‘Next Yamal’ could snub Spain for England
-
Football2 weeks agoWatch Harry Maguire turn into Lamine Yamal as he humiliates Bilbao defender
-
Football1 week agoMan Utd fans name two players who ‘can’t start’ in the Europa League final despite win vs Athletic Bilbao
-
Football4 days agoLionel Messi involved in furious argument with referee after Inter Miami game
-
Football1 week agoAmorim spotted with new plaster on his knuckles after half-time vs Bilbao
Pingback: Man Utd fans drooling over Wayne Rooney's son Kai's goal for academy team | Alplays