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Arsenal to sell three defenders to raise funds for Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko signing - Paper Round
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Published 18/06/2025 at 22:48 GMT+1
Arsenal are reportedly willing to sell three defenders as they chase Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres, with the Sporting CP striker now completely at odds with his current club over their valuation of him. Elsewhere, Serie A side Napoli are struggling to afford Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, while Leeds United will need to increase their offer for Fulham forward Rodrigo Muniz.
Viktor Gyokeres
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal in hurry to sign striker
Arsenal are reportedly looking to sign a striker before the start of the season so they do not lose ground in the race for the Premier League title.
The Sun reports that the club are also willing to sell Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior and Riccardo Calafiori in order to raise funds for Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres.
The paper states: "Liverpool, Chelsea and both Manchester clubs have all been busy in the early days of the summer market, yet all has been quiet at Arsenal - runners-up for three seasons in a row.
"While Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga are expected to arrive at the Emirates soon, Arsenal are in desperate need of a frontman.
"New Emirates sporting director Andrea Berta is prioritising a striker and has several plates spinning - with RB Leipzig hitman Benjamin Sesko and Sporting’s Viktor Gyokores both leading targets.
"Oleksandr Zinchenko is surplus to requirements, while fellow defenders Jakub Kiwior and Riccardo Calafiori could be offloaded.
"Left-back Calafiori - signed only last summer but overtaken by Myles Lewis-Skelly - is wanted by AC Milan but believed to be keen on staying at the Emirates."
Napoli struggle to afford Sancho
Napoli are keen to sign Jadon Sancho from Manchester United this summer, but reports in Italy suggest there is a big obstacle.
The Serie A side are not willing to meet the £21.3 million asking price for a player on a reported £300,000-a-week salary.
The Mirror reports: "Jadon Sancho might not secure his Manchester United escape anytime soon - despite 'agreeing' to a move to Napoli. The England winger appears to have little future at Old Trafford after falling out of favour at the club.
"The £80m man spent the second half of the 2023/24 season back with former club Borussia Dortmund. Chelsea then moved for Sancho last season, having agreed a season-long loan deal with United, with a £25 million obligation to buy.
"But The Blues backed out of that agreement by paying a £5m penalty fee, sending Sancho back to United in the process. The winger is unlikely to return to contention under current boss Ruben Amorim, leading to him looking for a new club.
"Dortmund have turned down the chance to sign him for a third time, while Napoli have emerged as an option. Sky Sports Italy suggest that Sancho has verbally agreed a move to join the Serie A champions but there is still work to do to secure a deal.
"It is suggested that the Italian giants are struggling to finance the €25m (£21.3m) asking price that The Red Devils have put on Sancho’s head, while they would also struggle to afford his £300k-per-week wage packet."
Fulham want higher fee for Muniz
Fulham were unimpressed by Leeds United’s recent offer for striker Rodrigo Muniz, according to the Evening Standard.
A bid worth up to £32 million was rejected, but Fulham would be willing to sell if the right offer comes in.
The paper explains: "Fulham have rejected an offer from Leeds United for striker Rodrigo Muniz.
"The Cottagers were approached with an offer worth £26 million plus £6m in add-ons but have declined, Standard Sport understands.
"Muniz is considered by the Fulham board as one of the club’s most valuable assets and attracted exploratory interest from West Ham in January.
"Fulham do not intend to sell the Brazilian this summer but understand they may be forced to consider his exit if an offer too good to refuse arrives."
Gyokeres relationship with Sporting breaks down
The relationship between Viktor Gyokeres and his current club, Sporting CP, appears to be irreparably damaged.
The Daily Star reports on suggestions from Portugal that the striker has refused to meet club representatives to patch up the dispute over his valuation.
The paper writes: "Viktor Gyokeres has snubbed peace talks with Sporting Lisbon as tensions sour over his transfer drama, leaving Premier League titans Manchester United and Arsenal eager for his signature this summer.
"While it looked like Arsenal had the edge in snagging the Swedish goal machine, fancying a switch to the north London squad rather than a move to Old Trafford, the deal’s hitting snags with Sporting playing hardball over the fee. Gyokeres is seething, feeling double-crossed by the Portuguese chiefs' supposed promise of letting him pack his bags.
"He's even hinted at downing tools to push through a move. Sporting tried to mend fences, calling for emergency talks with their top player, but got the cold shoulder instead. Record reports that despite Sporting's olive branch offer, Gyokeres’ crew has refused to entertain any offer of a sit-down."
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