RB Leipzig growing concerned as Arsenal continue to play hardball for striker Benjamin Sesko – Paper Round
Published 04/07/2025 at 23:00 GMT+1
There are growing fears within the RB Leipzig camp that Arsenal have not yet made an official offer for their star striker Benjamin Sesko, claims The Sun, as the German side look to rebuild their squad. Elsewhere, Burnley are close to signing Manchester City and England full-back Kyle Walker, and Manchester United could make £7 million if Newcastle sign Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest.
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Arsenal playing hardball for Sesko
RB Leipzig are growing concerned that Arsenal are yet to submit a formal offer for Benjamin Sesko, claims The Sun.
Arsenal are prepared to offer £60 million for the striker – but the Bundesliga club want in excess of £70m.
"There is a growing sense of fear and anxiety at the Red Bull Arena around the future of Benjamin Sesko," reads the report.
"RB Leipzig are in desperate need to sell players to rebuild their squad after missing out on UEFA Champions League football last season.
"Leipzig have accepted that Sesko, 22, will be the man to fill up their kitty.
"The issue is that Arsenal have still not made a bid – and that is seriously worrying the German club.
"SunSport understands that, as it stands, negotiations over a fee that both clubs are happy to shake hands on are at a stalemate.
"And there are no signs of progressing, despite Arsenal and boss Mikel Arteta’s well-documented admiration of the young Slovenian.
"They have also already agreed on personal terms with the player.
"Arsenal consider around £60m a fair price. Leipzig would prefer upwards of £70m, but The Gunners are ready to dig their heels in and hold out, playing hardball for their man.
"Arsenal know that Leipzig are getting desperate, in a weak negotiating position financially, and they are confident they represent Sesko’s best chance of a move this summer with other suitors, for now, looking elsewhere for a No. 9."
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Burnley move in on Walker
Burnley will sign Manchester City and England defender Kyle Walker in a deal worth up to £5m, according to the Mirror and various outlets.
The 35-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan, will join up with Scott Parker’s newly-promoted side.
The report reads: "Burnley are closing in on a deal to sign Manchester City defender Kyle Walker. England international Walker, 35, had a medical with the newly-promoted Clarets on Friday ahead of a move which could be worth up to £5m.
"Walker is entering the final year of his contract at City and, although he started last season as the club captain, he finished it on loan with AC Milan. He had been expected to join The Rossoneri on a permanent deal, but amid major upheaval at San Siro, the Serie A side declined to take up an option to make his move permanent.
"Walker, capped 96 times by England, was subsequently not part of City’s squad for the FIFA Club World Cup and another move had been anticipated.
"Instead, he is now set for Turf Moor, where he will reunite with Burnley boss Scott Parker. Parker was Walker's team-mate at Tottenham between 2011 and 2013. The move may be completed over the weekend."
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Newcastle submit £55m bid for Elanga
Newcastle have reportedly launched a £55m bid to sign Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga.
A report in The Sun claims Elanga's former club Manchester United could make £7m from the deal.
The bid is The Magpies' second for Elanga. An offer of £45m was previously rejected by the City Ground outfit," reads the article.
"Manchester United are set to profit from the deal if it goes through.
"According to the Manchester Evening News, the club inserted a 20% sell-on clause for any profit made on the winger.
"That means, with Forest due to pocket around £35m in profit, Man Utd are expected to make around £7m from the deal."
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