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Manchester United’s work in the transfer market this summer has certainly been impressive, landing numerous key attacking targets in their quest for success in 2025/26.

Matheus Cunha has already arrived at Old Trafford during the off-season, costing a fee in the region of £62.5m, likely being brought in to operate in one of the two number ten roles behind the striker.

He’s not the only addition made by the hierarchy in the final third this summer, with Bryan Mbeumo joining in a £71m deal from Brentford – handing Ruben Amorim two Premier League-proven options in attacking areas.

Whilst the pair will add 35 goals to the side based on last season, the club are still targeting added quality and depth to the squad, in an attempt to rise up the table in 2025/26.

A new striker has been at the top of the Red Devils’ shopping list in recent weeks, potentially making a breakthrough in a move for one player over the last couple of hours.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker

Benjamin Sesko is a player who’s been on their radar over recent days, with United finally making a move for the RB Leipzig striker’s signature, according to the latest updates.

Amorim’s side are said to have made a €85m (£74m) bid for the 22-year-old, leaving the player with a decision to make over his future, after Newcastle United also made an offer for his services.

However, whilst the Slovenian will remain as the club’s first choice for the centre-forward role, the Red Devils have been offered a deal to land Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson, according to Ben Jacobs.

He claims that the Blues are looking to offload the Senegalese international this summer after already landing Joao Pedro and Liam Delap during the current transfer window.

Jacobs also states that Enzo Maresca’s side could demand a fee of up to £80m to part ways with the 24-year-old during the off-season, but Amorim’s side could yet make an approach in the coming weeks.

Why United’s latest target would be the perfect Sesko alternative

United’s recent bid for Sesko highlights that the hierarchy are willing to spend big on a striker this summer, but they need to ensure they splash such cash on the right option.

In the past, the Red Devils have been guilty of wasting a lot of money on talents plying their trade outside the Premier League, leading to the recent cost-cutting operation at Old Trafford.

Rasmus Hojlund is arguably the biggest example of their poor dealings, costing £72m from Atalanta back in the summer of 2023 and only netting 26 times in his 95 appearances for the club.

The Danish international has previously been touted as a potential bargaining tool in the Sesko deal, even being allowed to depart Amorim’s side for as little as £30m this window.

There’s no denying that Sesko would be a huge addition, but they could turn to Jackson should they fail to land him, with the Senegalese international a more Premier League-proven option for the club.

He’s also managed to outperform in numerous key areas throughout the 2024/25 campaign, arguably being the perfect alternative for the number nine position this summer.

Jackson, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in the world” by Flamengo boss Filipe Luis, posted a better shot-on-target accuracy rate last season, providing a most consistent option when it comes to finishing within the final third.

How Jackson & Sesko compare throughout 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)	Jackson	Sesko
Games played	30	33
Golas & assists	15	18
Shot on target accuracy	45%	43%
Pass accuracy	76%	67%
Key passes made	1.2	0.7
Progressive carries	1.9	1.7
Carries into opposition box	1.3	0.5
Shot-creating actions	2.8	1.9
Stats via FBref

The Chelsea star also managed to register a higher pass completion rate, whilst posting more key passes per 90, offering a more suitable option for link-up play – allowing the likes of Cunha and Mbeumo to also hit the ground running at Old Trafford.

His dominance doesn’t end there, completing more progressive carries and carries into the opposition’s box per 90, possessing an all-round skillset that would be beneficial to Amorim in attacking areas.

Whilst he may be an expensive addition to Amorim’s side, it’s one that would hand the 40-year-old the added attacking threat he craves in his quest for success.

The bid for Sesko showcases the ambition of the hierarchy, but ultimately, the fanbase shouldn’t worry about potentially missing out on his signature, with Jackson arguably a better option this window.

More crucial than Sesko: Man Utd prepare £26m bid for "phenomenal" star

Manchester United are making a move to land a star who’d be better than Benjamin Sesko.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 5, 2025

Barcelona are lining up a backup plan for their home fixture against Paris Saint-Germain in case Camp Nou is not ready on time to host their first Champions League home game. The Blaugrana have suffered several delays in their efforts to return to the renovated stadium, and are currently targeting the clash against Real Sociedad on September 28, just days before the French giants come to town.

• Plans to host Real Sociedad at home while moving the PSG game away

  According to , Barcelona are confident of securing the final construction certificate in time to host Real Sociedad at Camp Nou at the end of the month. However, the club will only be able to admit around 27,000 spectators, with large sections of the stadium still under renovation. For the clash against PSG, though, Camp Nou may remain unavailable, as a key section with a 45,000 capacity cannot yet be opened. Both PSG and UEFA have already been informed of the possible venue change to avoid any confusion.

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• AFP
  

  Revamping the Camp Nou as part of Espai Barca

  As part of the project, club president Joan Laporta convinced the General Assembly that the revamped stadium was a crucial element of Barcelona’s financial future. In December 2022, the Assembly voted in favour of the renovation plans, which were also approved by the City Council. They initially planned to return to the iconic stadium last year but have faced several delays which have now run into the current campaign. La Liga granted their request to start the season with three straight away matches in order to give them more time to get Camp Nou in order but they yet to confirm when the stadium will be ready to host a match.

• Camp Nou delays and postponement

  Recently, the Joan Gamper Trophy, Barcelona’s annual pre-season fixture which had been scheduled to take place at Camp Nou, was moved to the Johan Cruyff Stadium after the club failed to obtain the necessary licence from the council. Missing the deadline once again, Barcelona were forced to host their home game against Valencia at the Johan Cruyff Stadium for a second time. The situation looked even bleaker when vice-president Elena Fort admitted uncertainty over when the team could finally return to Camp Nou. It is reported that the club have lost close to €90 million (£78m/$106m) in revenue by being unable to play at their iconic home ground.

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  What's in store for Barcelona?

  Barcelona will hope that there will be no more delays in revamping the stadium and they will be able to host big games and Champions League nights at the stadium. Otherwise, they will have to play all of their League phase matches at the stadium in Montjuic. 

  This weekend's game against Getafe will take place at the same 6,000-capacity stadium that hosted the Valencia match.

Kyle Verreynne’s manic sprint to a third Test century lit up the second morning and sent South Africa speeding to a total of 358. But the afternoon and evening sessions belonged to Sri Lanka. Their top four produced their best collective effort in the series so far, with Pathum Nissanka hitting 89 off 157 balls, forging a 109-run second wicket stand with Dinesh Chandimal.With Angelo Mathews not out on 40 at stumps, and Kamindu Mendis unbeaten on 30, Sri Lanka have seven wickets in hand, and are well-placed to take a lead in the first innings. They have for the first time in the series, put serious pressure on a South Africa attack that seemed short of options on a flattening Gqeberha deck.Kagiso Rabada was the most menacing of their bowlers, conceding only 40 and taking the wicket of Dimuth Karunaratne for the third time in the series, in his 15 overs. He’d also had Nissanka dropped by David Bedingham at second slip, on 22. Sri Lanka negotiated Marco Jansen with much more confidence than they had in the first Test, in which he’d claimed 11 wickets. By stumps, Jansen had given away 75 off his 18 overs, and was the only frontline bowler without a wicket.Though there were occasional plays and misses against Rabada in particular, Nissanka was largely watchful, scoring only eight runs off his first 50 deliveries. He eventually began to attack the shorter deliveries, and it was the pull shot that he favoured through the remainder of the innings, taking to Jansen’s shorter balls in particular. Most of his run-scoring came square of the wicket, and he raised his batting tempo in Chandimal’s company, settling into accumulation mode against the spin of Keshav Maharaj in particular.That he got out to Maharaj, whom he had early clubbed for six over deep midwicket, will particularly rankle, especially as he was nearing a century. He merely ran at the bowler, attempted a cross-batted shot to a ball that was full, and essentially yorked himself, the ball going on to clatter into leg stump.Pathum Nissanka brought up his ninth 50+ score in Tests•AFP/Getty Images

Still, the stand between him and Chandimal had provided Sri Lanka a platform. Chandimal was looser with his strokeplay than either opener had been, and collected edged fours behind the wicket early on. He nevertheless stuck at it alongside Nissanka, until a tentative prod against Dane Paterson ended with him being snaffled behind the stumps.Mathews was also somewhat tetchy at the beginning of his innings, but found some boundaries down the ground, and settled into a rhythm later. Kamindu Mendis appeared assured from the outset. The two put on 43 runs together before stumps.The morning, however, had been reigned by Verreynne. Having lost Keshav Maharaj without South Africa adding to their overnight score, Verreynne put on 66 with Rabada, as Sri Lanka turned almost solely to bouncers and short deliveries to blast the final two wickets out. Verreynne crashed three boundaries between deep backward square leg and deep midwicket in one Asitha Fernando over to really get his engine roaring, before venturing even bigger hits when Rabada was bowled by Asitha, and he was left with the No. 11 for company.With 19 runs still to get for his hundred, Verreynne yanked the throttle with even more intensity, first smashing Prabath Jayasuriya over cow corner for six, before mowing Asitha into the banks to get within one strike of a 100. He reached triple figures with another mighty pull in that same over, sending the ball sailing over fine leg’s head.The milestone sparked wild celebrations, a bow from Verreynne to the dressing room, and a bear-hug from Paterson. Verreynne himself likely did not anticipate that a century would be on the cards when the morning’s play began, but finished unbeaten on 105 off 133 balls, having reaped 58 off 50 balls on day two.Lahiru Kumara claimed the last South Africa wicket, and ended with 4 for 79. Asitha and Vishwa Fernando shared five wickets between them.

Leeds United are beginning to wrap up deals swiftly, and Daniel Farke is now eager to thrash out another agreement to bring a talented operator to Elland Road, according to a report.

Leeds United set to sign Lucas Perri from Lyon

Addressing the goalkeeping department ended up being a critical assignment for Farke and company this summer, but they appear to have successfully completed that mission amid confirmation that Lucas Perri will join the Whites from Lyon.

Taking to social media platform X, Fabrizio Romano confirmed Leeds will imminently sign Perri, putting an end to their long-running quest to replace Illan Meslier.

He stated: “Leeds United have agreed deal in principle with OL for goalkeeper Lucas Perri. Medical tests booked and formal steps to follow, as Fabrice Hawkins reported. Deal in place to join LUFC.”

Coming in for a fee in the region of £15 million, the 27-year-old will offer an element of calm between the sticks, but there is plenty more work to be done if Leeds have designs on staying in the Premier League.

Looking to strengthen from middle to front, the Whites are monitoring the situation of Leicester City playmaker Bilal El Khannouss and he is said to be available for £22.5 million following the Foxes’ relegation from the top-flight last term.

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Potentially, the Morocco international could arrive in tandem with Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz, offering Farke a solid source of creativity and goals that may help his side in their fight to stay up.

Nevertheless, the German coach is also concerned with keeping the ball out of the net and is now said to be plotting a surprise move for another goalkeeper after Perri.

Leeds United eager to sign Robin Zentner

According to Transferfeed, Leeds United are eager to wrap up an agreement for Mainz goalkeeper Robin Zentner, and he is viewed as a potential key player who could offer high-calibre competition to Perri between the sticks.

After earning a spot in the Bundesliga’s team of the season in 2024/25, he is someone with notable experience that may help Farke’s mission of having two established goalkeepers fighting it out for the number one jersey rather than being reliant on a sole presence.

Zentner would also continue the trends of Leeds signing physically imposing players this summer, standing at 6 foot 4.

Robin Zentner’s excellent Bundesliga season in 2024/25 (Fotmob)

Saves

102

Save percentage

71.3%

Clean sheets

9

High claims

45

Accurate long balls

210

Enjoying a fine campaign, Zentner, labelled an “incredibly good goalkeeper” by Bo Henriksen, made 34 appearances across all competitions, though he is still to make an appearance for the German national side despite some excellent performances.

Ultimately, Leeds’ two-pronged goalkeeper strategy may leave one player at risk of losing regular minutes. There have been success stories within this mode of operation elsewhere, such as David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale at Arsenal, though it can be a complicated process to navigate.

Either way, you can never get enough competence to support the spine of your team, so it would make a degree of sense to ensure Leeds cover all bases after some goalkeeping mishaps last season.

Arsenal are poised to spend over £200 million this summer at least, if certain deals go through, so they’ll need to eventually balance the books by selling players.

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He’d be yet another ambitious deal.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 16, 2025

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard arrived at the Emirates Stadium recently for a total of around £75 million, not including add-ons, while Noni Madueke also sealed a £52 million switch from Chelsea.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£75m

Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera’s initial £13 million move, not including add-ons which could take it up to £17 million, brings Andrea Berta’s spending up to £140 million – with the player set to undergo his Gunners medical on Wednesday.

After Mosquera, Arsenal are finalising a move for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres after reaching an agreement in principle (The Athletic). Mikel Arteta’s side will pay an upfront fee of around £55 million, plus an extra £10 million in add-ons, which means Berta is set to fork out a minimum £195 million on transfers with the club’s deals so far.

As we’ve seen with Chelsea and Aston Villa recently, UEFA operate strict financial fair play rules, with the Premier League duo fined for breaches and forced to sell squad members so they can register new players for their European campaigns next season.

While there is no indication that Arsenal are in any similar danger, or with regard to PSR, Berta will be keen to err on the side of caution and offload a few surplus men.

Albert Sambi Lokonga, Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson, Oleksandr Zinchenko and 19-year-old defender Maldini Kacurri are named as players who Arsenal could likely choose to sell or loan out, with uncertainty also surrounding both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard (The Athletic).

Arsenal have already let Jorginho, Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney, Nuno Tavares and Marquinhos leave the club this summer, with the north Londoners also terminating Takehiro Tomiyasu’s contract following his injury nightmare.

Arsenal could terminate Karl Hein deal amid Sevilla interest

Now, according to Spanish news outlet Vamos di Sevilla, they could repeat that with 23-year-old goalkeeper Karl Hein.

The 39-cap Estonia captain appears out of Arteta’s long-term plans and has only ever made one senior appearance for the club in a 3-1 Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton in 2022 – a match where he also gave away a penalty.

He spent last season on loan at Real Valladolid in La Liga, starting 31 league games and keeping five clean sheets in that time as they were relegated to the Spanish Segunda División.

However, Sevilla are believed to be keen on him, and Hein is ready to accept an offer from them to leave the Emirates. Vamos di Sevilla also suggest that Arsenal could terminate Hein’s contract, just under 12 months before it is set to expire in 2026, or even green-light another loan.

In any case, he is apparently one of the Sevilla sporting directors’ favourite options, so this could be one to keep an eye on.

The storm that has clouded Newcastle United’s early summer transfer window is perhaps showing signs of abating, even if Eddie Howe’s outfit have seen bids rejected for three top targets.

That’s according to the Times, whose revelation that offers for Anthony Elanga, Joao Pedro and James Trafford were rebuffed will no doubt have been met by a chorus of frustration over on Tyneside.

At the very least, United are showing ambitious intent, and though slapping a £200m price tag on Alexander Isak to ward off interest from Liverpool might have proved a double-edged sword, for clubs will hardball the Toon in their own dealings henceforth, there’s no doubt breakthroughs will be achieved in the coming months.

However, it might be wise for Howe and co to pin some alternative names to the board. Indeed, in Pedro’s case, an exciting backup has been found, and he might even prove the better pick.

Newcastle open talks for elite forward

As per GIVEMESPORT, Newcastle have opened talks with Xavi Simons’ representatives as they look to welcome some attacking additions this summer.

Expected to depart RB Leipzig after they failed to qualify for Europe, the 22-year-old playmaker has a £60m price tag and has expressed a desire to move to the Premier League.

Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all had discussions with the player’s camp too, so this one’s wide open at the present stage.

Why Newcastle want Xavi Simons

While dynamic, Simons isn’t as out-and-out an attacker as Pedro; instead, the Dutchman merges the creative with the incisive to an emphatic effect.

He’s the real deal, all right, and given the finances involved, would perhaps go on to prove an even better signing than Pedro, if push comes to shove.

Such masterful versatility is hardly something Howe’s going to say no to, and Simons would add a new creative dimension to a side which finished the 2024/25 Premier League season ranked sixth in the division for big chances created (112) after finishing joint-second with Manchester City (97) the term before.

It’s clear Howe needs such a virtuoso to take that next great step, and given that Simons finished the campaign ranked among the top 12% of attacking midfielders and wingers for passes attempted, the top 14% for progressive passes, the top 18% for shot-creating actions and the top 7% for ball recoveries, as per FBref, he clearly knows his stuff.

Athletic and driven, Simons would add a wealth of quality to the Magpies fold, with his haul of ten goals and seven assists across just 25 Bundesliga matches further highlighting his clinical nature.

Left winger

41

10

11

Right winger

17

5

5

Attacking midfield

17

6

7

Centre-forward

1

–

–

Moreover, he missed just two big chances and averaged two key passes and 5.4 successful duels per game. Though Pedro would be a brilliant attacking addition, Simons might just have that little bit more, with his versatility both through positional and prolific value likely to add so much to the United project.

Pedro, sure, is a steady supplier of goal contributions, posting 30 goals and ten assists across 70 matches, but he’s not quite so refined, indeed operating in a more advanced berth that you’d have to think will be occupied by Isak.

Howe makes sure his players know their duties and toe the line, but Simons’ expansiveness is part of what makes him special, a “superstar”, as has even been remarked by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Newcastle need to beat off Premier League opposition to secure this man’s signature, prioritising a deal over the likes of Pedro.

Better than Elanga: Newcastle open talks to sign £43m "game-changer"

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Chelsea are set for a hectic summer mini-window ahead of their looming Club World Cup campaign, which commences in just under a fortnight, and it has already started in fine fashion with the signing of Ipswich Town star Liam Delap.

Chelsea seal Liam Delap deal with more targets identified

The striker has now completed his medical at Stamford Bridge, according to the reliable Fabrizio Romano, and he can now be considered a new Chelsea player as BlueCo seal their first deal of the summer.

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He comes in to bolster Enzo Maresca’s forward line after scoring 12 league goals for a relegated Ipswich side last season, with Chelsea activating Delap’s £30 million release clause and bringing in a striker who can be considered a real bargain.

Chelsea are by no means done there, either, and could yet bring in more players before the first mini-window shuts on June 10.

Rank

Team

Points

GD

3

Man City

71

+28

4

Chelsea

69

+21

5

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

According to some reliable sources, Chelsea are actively pushing to sign Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike after Delap, and the prospect of two quality strikers joining Maresca for next season cannot be ruled out.

The Blues are also actively pursuing a new winger, with journalist Simon Phillips sharing what he calls an “exciting” update on their chase for a wide attacker.

Chelsea tell Nico Williams' agents they're ready to pay £50m

Writing via his Substack, the reporter claims Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams is a serious target, and there has been communication between parties.

Phillips states that Chelsea held talks with Williams’ agents last week, and they’ve informed the £170,000-per-week Spain international’s camp that they’re prepared to pay his release clause, reported to be around £50 million.

“I also have some brand new and exciting news on new wingers/attacking midfielders as Chelsea look to try and push one through in the next 9 days. Nothing is guaranteed yet, but this is what they’re trying to do,” wrote Phillips.

“SPTC sources have heard that Chelsea approached the agents of Nico Williams again last week and held talks.

“The player likes the idea of London and the Premier League, but he has always had his heart set on joining Barcelona. However, they are not yet moving on him. Any negotiations here could end up being drawn out though, which would mean any involvement in the CWC is unlikely – but that is not going to be a dealbreaker by any means. It’s more important to get the right targets in. Chelsea have informed his agents that we are prepared to pay his release clause.”

The 22-year-old, after a slow start to 2024/2025, turned his form over the second half of the season and matched the kind of performances which saw him play a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph last year.

Williams racked up 19 assists in all competitions across 23/24 as well, highly impressive numbers, and there is little denying he’d add a completely new dimension in attack.

Leeds United are marching on towards promotion to the Premier League and could clinch it by the end of the Easter matches if results go their way.

The Whites play Oxford away and Stoke at Elland Road and if they win both matches and Sheffield United fail to pick up maximum points, their place in the top-flight will be secured.

Of course, that still means that Daniel Farke’s side need to do their job and pick up all three points in both of their games, on Friday and Monday, to put themselves in a strong position, after their 2-1 win over Preston North End last weekend.

The West Yorkshire outfit are bidding to earn promotion to the Premier League at the second time of asking, after they lost 1-0 in the play-off final last term.

They could be about to secure that promotion without a particularly creative number ten in their ranks, as USA international Brenden Aaronson has racked up two assists in 42 appearances – including 39 starts – in the Championship.

This is the polar opposite of the 2023/24 campaign when Farke had the incredibly impressive Georginio Rutter to provide creativity as an attacking midfielder.

Why Georginio Rutter was so important for Leeds

The French dynamo was the creative hub of the team, whether he was deployed as a centre-forward or as an attacking midfielder, with his ability to slice open opposition defences on a regular basis for the Whites.

Rutter ended last season with an eye-catching return of six goals, 22 ‘big chances’ created, and 15 assists in 45 appearances in the second tier for Leeds, which shows that he made a consistent impact at the top end of the pitch.

The left-footed star, as shown in the clip above, was capable of the sublime in the Championship last term because of the quality he possessed on the ball.

That also shines through in the underlying data behind his performances for the West Yorkshire outfit in the 2023/24 campaign, as he ranked incredibly highly among his positional peers in a host of key creative metrics.

Expected Assisted Goals

0.29

Top 2%

Assists

0.39

Top 2%

Shot-creating actions

4.41

Top 2%

Progressive passes

4.46

Top 3%

Successful take-ons

3.06

Top 1%

Progressive carries

2.89

Top 5%

As you can see in the table above, Rutter was one of the best forwards in the Championship at creating high-quality chances for his teammates to find the back of the net, whilst he also progressed the play consistently through passes and carries to get his team up the pitch.

These statistics, and his overall return of goals and assists, explain why he was so important to Farke’s side and why it was a blow when he moved to Brighton & Hove Albion last summer.

The Whites do not currently have another creative playmaker like Rutter in the squad, as Aaronson has failed to provide consistent quality in that respect, but they do have a player out on loan with the potential to be the manager’s next version of the French magician.

The Leeds star who could be the next Georginio Rutter

As aforementioned, Aaronson’s return of two assists in 39 starts in the Championship this season does not suggest that he has the quality to step up to the Premier League to be the chief creator in the number ten position.

This means that Farke and Leeds have to consider their options and look at alternatives ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, whether that be a new recruit or a player coming back from loan.

One player who could return from a loan elsewhere to stake a claim for a place in the team is attacking midfielder Sam Greenwood, who is currently on loan at Preston North End.

The Lilywhites have the option to sign him on a permanent deal at the end of his current loan spell, but reporter Alan Nixon, via his Patreon, has revealed that they are ‘unlikely’ to splash the cash required to exercise that option.

This means that Leeds can bring the 23-year-old star back into the fold at Elland Road, or at least provide him with an opportunity to impress in pre-season before a final decision is made on his future.

In the Championship this season, Greenwood has scored five goals, created 14 ‘big chances’, and claimed five assists in 28 starts for Preston, which means that he has created a ‘big chance’ every other match on average.

Expected Assisted Goals

0.23

Top 3%

Assists

0.11

Top 47%

Shot-creating actions

3.43

Top 6%

Progressive passes

2.33

Top 16%

Successful take-ons

0.92

Top 18%

Progressive carries

2.36

Top 3%

As you can see in the table above, the English whiz is similar to Rutter in the sense that he ranks incredibly highly among his positional peers as a creative and progressive force in an attacking midfield role.

The key difference between the two, however, appears to be that Rutter’s teammates were clinical with the chances that he created for them, hence why he ranked in the top 2% for assists, whilst Greenwood’s teammates have been very wasteful in front of goal.

These statistics show that the Leeds loanee, whose set-piece delivery was once described as a “weapon” by pundit Noel Whelan, has the potential to develop into Rutter 2.0 for Farke.

He is a creative threat who can slice open defences to provide his teammates with high-quality opportunities on a regular basis, which is not something that Leeds currently have with Aaronson in the number ten role.

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Therefore, it could make sense for Farke to take a look at Greenwood in pre-season to see if he has what it takes to make the step up to be the new Rutter, as his statistics show that the potential is there for him to do so.

In the Premier League, Arsenal have been left to bemoan their lack of a fit centre-forward.

Truth be told, even before Kai Havertz sustained a season-ending hamstring injury, they needed more cover in an attacking area.

Just weeks before, Gabriel Jesus was dealt a cruel blow of his own, picking up an ACL injury that means we are unlikely to see him play again in 2025.

That didn’t spur the recruitment team at the Emirates Stadium into life and they have been made to pay the price since.

Still, Mikel Merino has been in fine form since becoming the club’s leading number 9, scoring six goals in his ten outings as a striker. Not bad numbers indeed.

However, the Spaniard, despite his incredible finish against Real Madrid, is not the long-term answer.

Arsenal's hopes of signing a new striker

Andrea Berta has now been in the job a few weeks and his main objective over the summer transfer window must be to strengthen the club’s offence.

It promises to be an exciting summer at Colney with the Gunners not only needing a new forward but also a winger, a back-up goalkeeper and potentially even a midfielder. Martin Zubimendi is reportedly edging close towards a deal.

So, who will the shiny new striker be? That’s the question on everyone’s lips down at N5.

David Ornstein confirmed a few weeks ago that Sporting CP sensation Viktor Gyokeres is one of their leading targets but work is also being done on Benjamin Sesko.

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A flurry of reports linked the Slovenian with a move last summer but he ended up penning new terms with German club RB Leipzig.

A year on and his departure from the Bundesliga looks far more likely. Indeed, according to TEAMtalk, Arsenal continue to keep a ‘close on’ on the 21-year-old with new steps now taken in a bid to secure his signature.

The report notes that the London club have had ‘direct contact’ with the player’s camp to discuss a move and the feeling after that meeting has been a positive one.

Sesko’s contract – which expires in 2029 – currently contains a release clause valued at around €70m (£60m).

How Sesko compares to Haaland and Isak

A few years ago, Arsenal were monitoring the progress of Alexander Isak. The Swede was at Real Sociedad at the time and wasn’t yet a truly rampant goalscorer.

The year was 2022 and Isak’s contract in Spain also contained a release clause, one that was slightly more than Sesko’s at about £75m.

Sadly, the Gunners deemed that too expensive and since then, he signed for Newcastle for £63m and become one of the Premier League’s leading lights, scoring 20 goals this term, third to only Erling Haaland and Mo Salah in the top-flight.

So, Arsenal must learn their lesson. Miss out on Sesko now and you could be looking at a price tag of over £100m in a few years’ time.

The Slovenia international may not be the finished article just yet, but he possesses a unique profile and Berta must buy now, with Arteta undoubtedly having the ability to turn him into a top-class talent, just like Isak.

Indeed, if Arteta can get a tune out of Merino in the club’s forward line, a midfielder by trade, just think what he could do with an actual striker.

Goals scored by Arsenal targets: 2024/25

Player

Games played

Goals scored

Viktor Gyokeres

45

44

Victor Osimhen

33

29

Alexander Isak

35

24

Hugo Ekitike

41

20

Benjamin Sesko

40

19

Matheus Cunha

29

15

Stats via Transfermarkt.

Described as “the new Erling Haaland” by scout Jacek Kulig, Sesko has found the net 19 times in 40 matches this term and seems to be getting better season by season, still aged 21.

Like Haaland, he’s a tall centre-forward. The Norwegian stands at 6 foot 4 while the Arsenal target is a fraction taller at 6 foot 5.

What that allows the pair of them to do is a number of things. Not only are they physical but their lengthy running stride and pace makes them a total nightmare for a defensive line.

Sesko would not get as much time and space in the Premier League, something Haaland is now all too familiar with, but their games marry up nicely when assessing their ball striking as well.

Just look at the thunderbolt below from Leipzig’s star man. It’s a thing of beauty and something that, let’s be honest, no Arsenal player in the current squad is capable of.

Perhaps the biggest difference is that Sesko is actually right-footed, but that’s not a bad thing, particularly when you consider Havertz is left-footed, meaning Berta would be adding more variety to the attack.

While someone like Gyokeres – who has scored 44 goals this season – and Isak, a proven Premier League striker, would be amazing signings, perhaps the best thing to do is go out and get Sesko, an unpolished diamond but someone who possesses elite potential.

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Posts 2 ByMatt Dawson Apr 13, 2025

Also: was Sri Lanka’s 531 the highest Test total to not feature an individual century?

Steven Lynch09-Apr-2024There were six half-centuries but no hundreds in Sri Lanka’s first innings at Chattogram. Was this a record? asked Sudarsan from India
As has been widely reported, Sri Lanka’s 531 in the second Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram last week was the highest Test total not to include an individual century. The previous-highest was India’s 524 for 9 declared against New Zealand in Kanpur in 1976-77, when the highest score was Mohinder Amarnath’s 70.That Kanpur innings was the first to contain six half-centuries but no hundreds; Sri Lanka’s effort in Chattogram was the sixth. The previous time it happened was in 2017, when six England batters reached 50 against West Indies at Headingley, but no one made it to three figures – the highest individual contribution then was Moeen Ali’s 84.There were only 21 dot balls in Sunrisers’ recent record IPL total. Was this the fewest dots for any T20 innings? asked Nikhil from India
Sunrisers’ 277 for 3 against Mumbai Indians in Hyderabad last month was indeed the highest total in IPL history, beating Royal Challengers’ 263 for 5 against Pune Warriors in Bengaluru in April 2013. And the 21 dot balls was also a record in a full (20-over) innings in the IPL; there were 23 (11 by Andre Russell) in Delhi Capitals’ 228 for 4 against Kolkata Knight Riders in Sharjah in October 2020, and 24 in Sunrisers’ 207 for 3 against Kings XI Punjab in Mohali in April 2017.We don’t have ball-by-ball details for many T20 matches, so it’s impossible to identify the overall record. But 22 is definitely not the fewest: there were only 19 dot balls in Melbourne Stars’ 273 for 2 in their Big Bash League match against Hobart Hurricanes at the MCG in January 2022. Note that the ESPNcricinfo database counts dot balls from the bowlers’ perspective – so a no-ball that doesn’t produce any runs off the bat doesn’t count, as the penalty runs go against the bowler (unlike byes or leg-byes). In the recent Sunrisers’ innings there was one no-ball (by Gerald Coetzee) that wasn’t scored from, so by some interpretations the innings included 22 dot balls.Sam Northeast’s innings the other day means he has scored quadruple- and triple-centuries in first-class cricket, but no doubles. Is there anyone else with such a record? asked Robert Jenkins from England
That innings of 335 not out by Glamorgan’s captain Sam Northeast against Middlesex at Lord’s last week was the highest individual first-class innings at Lord’s, beating the 333 of Graham Gooch for England against India in a Test in 1990. There have been only four other first-class triple-centuries at Lord’s.Northeast also scored 410 not out for Glamorgan against Leicestershire at Grace Road in 2022, but you’re right that he hasn’t yet made a score of between 200 and 299. He did come close, with 191 for Kent against Derbyshire in Canterbury in June 2016, and 190 a few weeks later against Sussex at Tunbridge Wells.None of first-class cricket’s other quadruple-centurions (there are only eight of them) failed to record a double-century, although Aftab Baloch came close: apart from his 428 in 1973-74, his next-highest score was exactly 200 not out the following season, also against Baluchistan. Apart from him, Archie MacLaren and Bhausaheb Nimbalkar also never made a triple-century to go with their 400s, but they did reach 200.Among batters who have played a minimum of 25 innings in the IPL, KL Rahul has the highest batting average of 46.26•BCCIWho has the best batting average in the IPL? asked Conrad Stephens from South Africa
Given a minimum of 25 innings, there are only two batters who average over 40 in the IPL. Both are current players, so this may change, but as I write KL Rahul averages 46.26, and David Warner 41.57. Heinrich Klaasen currently averages 42.56 from 20 innings, and Sai Sudharsan 45.28 from 16.Devon Conway, who has not featured in this year’s IPL, averages 48.63 from 22 innings. And if you don’t have any qualification at all, Vivrant Sharma had one innings for Sunrisers last April, and scored 69 against Mumbai Indians. For the full list, which is regularly updated, click here.I noticed that Paul Stirling recently became the first Irishman to appear in 300 international matches. Who’s the next closest to 300 from outside the top Test-playing nations? asked Peter Blundell from Australia
Paul Stirling played his 300th official international for Ireland against Afghanistan in Sharjah last month, and has now reached 304. Mohammad Nabi, who was on the opposing side that day, has now played 285 international matches.The leader among the non-Test nations is Scotland’s Richie Berrington, with 202; Collins Obuya, who retired recently after a long career for Kenya, played 179. For the list, which includes players from recent Test nations Afghanistan and Ireland but not the longer-established ones, click here.Shiva Jayaraman of ESPNcricinfo’s stats team helped with some of the above answers.Use our feedback form, or the Ask Steven Facebook page to ask your stats and trivia questions