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Atletico Madrid want Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, Arsenal and Man Utd in transfer battle for Benjamin Sesko - Paper Round
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Published 15/02/2025 at 08:50 GMT
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Atletico Madrid could face competition from two Premier League clubs for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, while Benjamin Sesko is wanted by Arsenal and Manchester United. Arsenal are also weighing up a move for five free agents to play up front for them this season, and United are looking at Ipswich striker Liam Delap as a move for Viktor Gyokeres looks less likely.
Injuries are 'accidents waiting to happen' due to heavy workload, says Arteta
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Atletico hope to sign Jackson
Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson is a target for La Liga side Atletico Madrid, but they face competition.
The Sun reports that Aston Villa and Newcastle are also keen, as they worry over the respective futures of Ollie Watkins and Alexander Isak.
The paper writes: "Atletico Madrid are plotting an ambitious summer move for Nicolas Jackson - but could face competition from two Premier League sides.
"The Chelsea striker, who is currently injured, has performed well this season bagging nine Premier League goals so far.
"Atletico have long admired the player and the Spanish giants would be at the front of the queue should he become available.
"But SunSport understands Aston Villa and Newcastle are also monitoring developments.
"Aston Villa know that they face a fight to keep hold of their forward Ollie Watkins in the summer, with Arsenal keen to resurrect a deal for the player.
"And Alexander Isak could leave St James’ Park if Eddie Howe can’t deliver Champions League football.
"Earlier this month SunSport revealed that Newcastle were monitoring potential replacements. Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert is firmly on their radar."
Arsenal and United track Sesko
Arsenal and Manchester United are in the running for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
The 21-year-old Slovenia international continues to impress in Germany and both Premier League sides remain keen.
The Mirror states: "Arsenal could be forced to slug it out with Manchester United this summer if they are to finally land Benjamin Sesko.
"The Slovenia international, 21, has caught the eye of the Premier League's big-hitters with his impressive form for RB Leipzig, who managed to convince him to sign a new contract back in the summer.
"Sesko was Arsenal's top target in their search for a new No. 9, so it should come as no surprise to see they have since kept their powder dry. They will need to sign a new striker ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, though, and are expected to return for Sesko.
"But with Sesko also on the radar of Manchester United, a deal may not be as straightforward as it initially seemed."
Arsenal linked with five strikers
The Telegraph has thrown five strikers’ names into the hat as a potential signing for Arsenal before the season is out after Mikel Arteta said he is open to an emergency addition.
Mariano Diaz, Diego Costa, Wissam Ben Yedder, Carlos Vela and Lucas Perez are all free to sign to play as Arsenal’s striker in place of the injured Kai Havertz.
The paper claims: "Mikel Arteta has not ruled out the possibility of Arsenal making a move to sign a free agent in an attempt to solve their striker injury problem.
"Arsenal are currently without Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, leaving them with only three fit first-team forwards for the next month at least.
"Arsenal can add to their squad outside the transfer window by signing a free agent and, asked directly about their ability to add a new player, Arteta said the club will "explore" the possibilities.
"Club sources regard the addition of a free agent to be unlikely, especially given Arsenal’s insistence in January of only recruiting players who can have a serious impact on the team.
"Arteta’s comments, however, mean that the possibility cannot yet be ruled out."
Man Utd look at Gyokeres alternatives
As well as Sesko, Manchester United are also weighing up a move for Ipswich striker Liam Delap.
Those two options are now seen as more probable signings than Sporting forward Viktor Gyokeres.
The Daily Star explains: "Manchester United are reportedly shifting their focus to Benjamin Sesko or Liam Delap for the summer, as a deal for Viktor Gyokeres seems increasingly unlikely.
"The Red Devils are believed to be in the market for a new striker, with both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee - a summer signing from Bologna - failing to find the back of the net with regularity this season.
"With Ruben Amorim now at the helm, a move for Gyokeres, who thrived under the Portuguese coach at Sporting Lisbon, seemed almost certain - but a reunion at Old Trafford now appears doubtful. The Swedish forward is expected to depart Sporting this summer, with the club ready to cash in on their star player.
"‌United even attempted to lure him from RB Leipzig during the summer transfer window, but the Slovenian international opted to renew his contract. Arsenal's known interest in Sesko, coupled with Leipzig's demands for the 21-year-old, could complicate any potential deal for the striker, whose playing style would suit Amorim's tactics.
"A move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap could well be on the cards after impressing at Portman Road since their promotion from the Championship. At just 22 years old, Delap has nine top-flight goals and has been monitored by United throughout the campaign. He's also familiar to technical director Jason Wilcox from his time at Manchester City."
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