Arsenal transfer news: Why Gunners snubbed Benjamin Sesko as Thomas Partey finds new club
Arsenal stars are sharpening their tools as the new season appears on the horizon with a fortnight to go before their Premier League campaign begins with a trip to Manchester United.
But the Gunners continue to be linked with a deal for Crystal Palace and England star Eberechi Eze following a hectic summer in north London. That, however, may require a number of players to exit the club and reports suggest five different members of the first-team squad could potentially move on.
Thomas Partey has already left as a free agent but is now set to sign a new deal in Spain.
Here are the transfer tales from in and around the Emirates to keep an eye on.
Partey new club
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is due to join Villarreal this summer after his contract at the Emirates expired, leaving him free to seek pastures new.
Partey was keen to remain in the Champions League and that was a major factor in him choosing Villarreal, who finished fifth in Spain last term. The midfielder had been linked with moves to clubs in Europe and the Middle East throughout the season.
The Athletic reported that the ex-Atletico man was in talks over staying at the Emirates but an agreement could not be reached on the terms of a deal despite the two parties trying until late in the day.
Mikel Arteta could bid farewell to five of his squad before the close of the transfer window, according to the Daily Mail.
Reiss Nelson is the most likely to head off amid admiring glances from Fulham and his departure would see the Gunners' wage bill trimmed by £100,000 per week.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, who earns £150,000, is also for sale, while Fabio Vieira is far down the pecking order but has garnered some interest from West Ham and Albert Sambi Lokonga is another allowed to leave.
Then there is Leandro Trossard, whom Arsenal want to sign a new contract but is on a shortlist of targets at Borussia Dortmund.
Sesko concerns
Arsenal heard "alarm bells" when deciding whether to pursue a move for Benjamin Sesko earlier this summer, according to an ESPN report.
After engaging in preliminary talks with the Bundesliga outfit, Arsenal chiefs soon found that any deal for the promising forward would be too expensive for a player who has yet to realise his full potential.
The story reported that there were three main reasons for a deal for Sesko setting off "alarm bells" including the mammoth fee Leipzig were requesting as well as his own personal terms.
Having only had two seasons in a European top-five league - where he scored 21 goals across all competitions last season - sources said the club were wary about the mental demands Sesko would have to endure of being the player leading the Arsenal attack and whether he'd be able to handle the scrutiny.
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Metro
27 minutes ago
- Metro
Alan Shearer claims Man Utd and Newcastle are making huge transfer 'gamble'
Alan Shearer believes Manchester United and his beloved Newcastle United are making significant 'gambles' in their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko. Newcastle's opening bid for the Slovenia striker, worth around £70m, was rejected by Bundesliga club RB Leipzig. Manchester United are yet to make a formal offer for Sesko but have indicated to Leipzig that they are ready to match Newcastle's bid. Ruben Amorim is keen to welcome an elite striker to Old Trafford this summer following Rasmus Hojlund's struggles last season. Amorim hoped to reunite with his former Sporting star Viktor Gyokeres but the Sweden international rejected the Red Devils in favour of a move to Arsenal. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you. Newcastle, meanwhile, are desperately searching for a new striker after Alexander Isak dropped a transfer bombshell by asking to leave St James' Park. Premier League champions Liverpool are interested in signing Isak and saw an opening offer worth £110m rejected by Newcastle. England legend Shearer has described Sesko as a 'talent' but says it would be a 'gamble' and a 'risk' to sign him this summer given the level of improvement needed in his game. Discussing Manchester United and Newcastle United's interest in Sesko, Shearer said on The Rest is Football podcast: 'With Sesko, I know he's young, but that would be a gamble because you're going to have to pay a decent sized fee. 'I saw him two or three times in the Champions League last season and there's definitely room for improvement. 'Yes, there's certainly a talent there but there's a lot improvement that can be made as well. You're bringing someone who's unknown into the Premier League and that's always a bit of a risk.' Newcastle hero Shearer has branded the club's transfer window 'disastrous' but refused to criticise Isak for trying to leave. Isak was one of the best strikers in Europe last season, scoring 23 goals in the Premier League and helping Newcastle win the Carabao Cup and qualify for the Champions League. It was quite a tough season for Leipzig, which forced them to change coach after a disappointing Champions League campaign. They've been struggling, which reflects on his output, but he was still one of their best and most consistent players. Sesko's strengths are certainly his physicality and speed – he's great at making dangerous runs in behind defences, but he's also a very clinical and instinctive finisher, especially when the ball drops to him in the area. His work rate is good and he's a willing runner off the ball as well. His hold-up play is quite strong, but I think his link-up play is a side of his game that he can still improve. It's not that he's bad at that side of the game, but compared to someone like Kai Havertz, he's not at that level. In particular, his passing will need to get a lot better. But during his young career, he's shown he can take those steps forward. His mentality is definitely a strength – he's a player who wants to learn and wants to improve so in that sense he will be a quick learner. Rune Gjerulff, German football expert and editor of Bulinews The 25-year-old has left it late in the transfer window to push for a move, leaving Newcastle scrambling around for replacements. 'Up to now it's been a disastrous window for Newcastle,' Shearer added. 'It was meant to be the time we kicked on with heavy investment and hopefully go to another level. It's been anything but that to be honest. 'They've missed out on several first-choice targets, so up to now it's been really poor. Their transfer window has been a mess. 'I thought Isak might have stayed for another season and then this would have happened next summer. But it is what it is. 'If he can't be persuaded to stay then you take the money and you just say, 'thanks for the great memories, off you go.' More Trending Asked whether he was 'angry' at Isak following his decision to leave St James' Park, Shearer said: 'It's football. 'I'm not angry at all at him, I understand how football works and know what happens in the game. I understand his mentality, even if I don't have to like it. 'Obviously Liverpool have been into him and his agent but I just thought this might have happened next year. 'If he really wants to go, you take big money for him and get other players in and you move on.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Micah Richards urges Mikel Arteta to replace £50m Arsenal star before transfer deadline MORE: Bruno Fernandes hits out at 'lazy' Man Utd stars and makes alarming admission MORE: Liverpool urged to sign ex-Arsenal transfer target to replace Luis Diaz
The Independent
27 minutes ago
- The Independent
Transfer news live: Man Utd battle Newcastle for Sesko, Liverpool's Isak bid, Son to leave Spurs
Newcastle United remain in the headlines due to the interest in striker Alexander Isak. The 25-year-old has been trying to force a move away from the club amid ongoing interest from Liverpool but Newcastle are holding out for a massive fee having rejected Liverpool 's first bid. Manager Eddie Howe says the situation is 'far from ideal'. Nevertheless the club are searching for a potential replacement and have made a bid fo RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko which was deemed not good enough by the German side. To make matters worse, Manchester United, who are hopeful of securing a No.9 of their own, are willing to match the bid with improved add ons meaning the two clubs will battle it out over the closing days of the window. Elsewhere, Tottenham captain Son Heung-Min is set to leave north London after a decade with the club, announcing the news in an emotional press conference ahead of the pre-season friendly against Newcastle in his native South Korea while Arsenal are aiming to bolster their forward line by signing Crystal Palace 's Eberechi Eze. Palace want a fee in excess of £60m which is the amount of Eze's release clause but the Gunners are running out of time to trigger it. Tottenham captain Son Heung Min to leave club for 'fresh challenge' Tottenham captain Son Heung Min has revealed he will leave the club this summer. Son has spent the last decade at Spurs and achieved his goal of silverware in May when he helped the Premier League team to Europa League success with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United. It ended a 17-year trophy drought for the club. Tottenham captain Son Heung Min to leave club for 'fresh challenge' Son had been at Spurs for a decade and led them to Europa League glory last season to end a long trophy drought Mike Jones4 August 2025 07:22 Good morning! Welcome to The Independent's Mike Jones4 August 2025 07:21 Lookman wants to depart Atalanta over 'broken promises' Forward Ademola Lookman said on Sunday he had put in a formal transfer request at Atalanta after facing poor treatment at the Italian club. England-born Nigeria international Lookman was Atalanta's second-highest scorer in Serie A last season, netting 15 goals. Italian media reports have linked the former Everton, Fulham and Leicester City player with a move to Inter Milan. Atalanta did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment. Lookman, who joined Atalanta in 2022 on a four-year contract, wrote in a letter shared on social media that he had agreed with the club ownership that he would be allowed to move if there was a fair offer. "Despite now receiving an offer in alignment to what I believe had been discussed sadly the club are blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand," he wrote. "After many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer, sadly I feel I have no choice but to speak out... I can confirm I have now handed in a formal transfer request." Flo Clifford4 August 2025 07:10 Bannan commits to Wednesday Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan has signed a new contract with the troubled Championship club. The 35-year-old midfielder, whose previous deal had expired, has committed to the Owls just two days after players and staff at Hillsborough had not received their wages on time for the third successive month. The club has not disclosed the details of Bannan's new deal. The Scot said he had received interest from other clubs and that his daughter's reaction to the prospect of ending his decade-long stay with the Owls had helped shape his decision. Bannan said: "This club is a big part of me and my family, who are with me here today as I'm signing. "They will always stand by me with whatever decision I make and I've decided to stay. "With the season getting closer, this last week has been tough because there was interest from elsewhere and I had a lot to think about. "We had a lot of conversations as a family and when I told my daughter Elsie that I might be leaving she started crying. "Then last night when I told her I was staying she started crying again. I asked her why and she said they are just happy tears." Flo Clifford4 August 2025 06:10 Amorim 'really happy' with Hojlund Of under pressure forward Rasmus Hojlund, who has been the subject of interest in the transfer market, Ruben Amorim recently said: 'The important thing is that people focus on the goals and we suffer a lot because of the lack of goals. But I think not just the goals, but the way he (Hojlund) connects the play. "Every time we have to kick the ball, we are kicking the ball when we are more pressed. The ability for him to hold the defender and to connect in the support is helping us a lot to play better. And we are playing better because he is playing better. "I am really happy with Rasmus. I don't know what is going to happen until the end of the market. The important thing is that the strikers that are here are working really well, are improving, are helping the team and that is the most important thing.' Flo Clifford4 August 2025 05:10 Sesko saga reaches critical decision Newcastle have submitted an offer for RB Leipzig, according to reports, and Manchester United are prepared to wait and see what Benjamin Sesko wants. If Sesko wants to go to Old Trafford, and gives the green light, United will then submit an offer, writes Fabrizio Romano. They are not prepared to enter talks with the club only to be snubbed by the player further down the line. Flo Clifford4 August 2025 04:12 Liverpool still have eyes for Guehi Liverpool retain an interest in Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, though they do not agree with Palace's valuation for the defender. The England international is out of contract next summer but Palace currently value him at £40m. Flo Clifford4 August 2025 03:12 West Ham capture Wilson West Ham have signed Callum Wilson on a one-year contract following his release by Newcastle. The 33-year-old former Bournemouth striker scored 49 goals in 130 appearances in five years for the Magpies. Wilson said: 'I'm excited to be joining a massive football club like West Ham.' Flo Clifford4 August 2025 02:11 Newcastle to look at Watkins & Wissa if Isak leaves Newcastle will look at Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins if given encouragement that a deal can be done, according to the Daily Mail. Watkins would be available for around £60m, though Newcastle would likely try to reduce that fee. While the signing could act as a replacement for Alexander Isak, the club are also still targeting Brentford forward Yoane Wissa, who is reportedly valued at £50m too. Flo Clifford4 August 2025 01:11 Gyokores debut and what it showed A debut defeat and an outing that was underwhelming but left the sense he was underused may matter little. When it comes to competitive games, Viktor Gyokeres 's Arsenal bow will come at Old Trafford against Manchester United on 17 August. But as he donned their No 14 shirt for the first time in a game, Arsenal at least showed the need for Gyokeres, the forward who scored 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting CP. The first north London derby staged outside the United Kingdom yielded a 1-0 loss to Tottenham, with Arsenal registering a lone shot on target, which Kai Havertz directed at Guglielmo Vicario. Gyokeres was limited to the last 20 minutes, including stoppage time, as Arsenal were largely toothless. The argument that they needed a specialist goalscorer is scarcely new, but perhaps it was underlined when they spent an initial £55m to acquire one.
Daily Mirror
28 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd goalkeeper Andre Onana delivers injury update after missing pre-season tour
Andre Onana had hoped to recover from a hamstring injury in time for Manchester United's third and final friendly during their pre-season tour of the USA but he failed to make an appearance Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana was unable to guarantee that he'll be fit for the start of the new Premier League campaign after missing all of their pre-season fixtures so far. Onana, 29, suffered a hamstring injury during United's first week of training last month. It forced Ruben Amorim to alternate between Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton during their three-game tour of the USA which concluded on Sunday. Mirror Football recently reported that Onana had been privately targeting a return for their final friendly against Everton, having travelled with Amorim's 32-man squad. The Red Devils weren't at their best as they drew 2-2 with fellow tourists Everton in Atalanta, Georgia, although they did enough to win the Premier League Summer Series. But when the real stuff gets going for United against Arsenal on Sunday, August 17, Onana could still be on the sidelines, even though he feels 'great' ahead of their final pre-season friendly at home to Fiorentina on Saturday. "I feel good, I feel great," the Cameroon international told Sky Sports before Sunday's clash. "It's been a few difficult weeks but yeah, hopefully, I will be back for the start of the season. I'm enjoying the training with my guys and we are looking forward." On United's chances of a successful 2025-26 season, Onana added: "If we have a good start against Arsenal, everything is possible." Speaking last week, Amorim insisted that Onana would have a better season amid simmering speculation that the Red Devils boss wants to bring in a new goalkeeper as competition for the 29-year-old. But Amorim's observations from training have poured cold water on replacement talk. "I think even when you talk about Andre, you can see the goalkeepers," the United manager began. "Even Tom is leaner, he's a different goalkeeper. Altay did really well, and Onana is going to be better, like the other guys, this year." Should Manchester United sign a new goalkeeper before transfer deadline day? Have your say in the comments section. Amorim's comments were in line with his larger assessment of United ahead of his first full season at Old Trafford. "I think are we better in every detail, in the organisation of the day-by-day," the Portuguese explained. "The nutrition is better, the way we cook, what we eat, how we prepare training. I think that we are more organised. I think we have people now that help us to be better. I'm not concerned with small things and I was last year. "So, those things help us and help me to think more about watching the game, watching the team. So it's a big help for me. When it's a big help for the technical staff, it's a big help for the players."
