Arsenal hope to sign RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko and tie down Mikel Arteta to a new contract this summer, while Manchester City’s Jack Grealish has been linked with a move to Bundesliga side Bayern Munich. At Chelsea, Ian Maatsen is wanted by his current loan side Borussia Dortmund, and Conor Gallagher is a transfer target for UEFA Champions League new boys Aston Villa.
ARSENAL PLOT SESKO SWOOP
Arsenal hope to extend Mikel Arteta’s contract and then go on to sign Benjamin Sesko this summer.
The Mirror reports that the manager is expected to sign a new deal, and the RB Leipzig forward is top of their transfer shortlist.
The paper writes: “Mikel Arteta is in a strong bargaining position as he heads into serious contract talks this summer.
“Arsenal boss Arteta has one year left on his current deal and has established himself as one of Europe’s top young managers.
“Arsenal are in the market for a new striker – with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko top of their wanted list – and, while they are not expecting superstar signings this summer, they will strengthen their squad. It all fits to mapping out Arteta’s long term future remaining at Arsenal with a quiet confidence on both sides that it can be wrapped up.
“There is a hope that it can be sorted over the summer and that Arteta will be able to put pen to paper before the start of next season. Arteta has already indicated publicly that he expects conversations to take place over the summer with sporting director Edu and Richard Garlick, who will step into the role of managing director this summer.”
GREALISH UNSETTLED AT MAN CITY
The Sun writes that Jack Grealish has held talks with Pep Guardiola over his lack of minutes with the club.
Grealish has been in and out of the side in the last year, and according to the paper, “that has, naturally, led to speculation of a transfer exit away from Manchester this summer”.
“SunSport revealed Bayern Munich are weighing up a shock approach for the winger in the hope of luring him to Germany – although Guardiola is keen to keep hold of him.
“They sat down for showdown talks ahead of the FA Cup final – in which Grealish was an unused sub – with the manager challenging and pushing him to rediscover his best form once again next season.
“But speaking of Germany, Grealish’s poor form could see him left off the plane to the Euros.”
MAATSEN YET TO DECIDE FUTURE
Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen is on course for the UEFA Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund and the German club wish to sign him.
However, the Daily Mail reports that the Dutch left-back has yet to decide where he wants to play.
The paper reports: “Ian Maatsen is yet to decide on his Chelsea future despite signing a contract extension with the club until 2026 in January, with Borussia Dortmund keen on completing a permanent move for the Dutch left-back who has a release clause of £35million.
“Maatsen, a Chelsea academy graduate, is currently with Dortmund on loan. The 22-year-old started just one Premier League game in the first half of the season before making the move to Germany in January where he has regularly started and played every minute of their Champions League knockout games.
“It remains to be seen whether the likely new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca may push for Maatsen to be recalled, but Chelsea are not short of left-back options with Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell.”
VILLA TARGET GALLAGHER
With Chelsea looking to raise funds by selling Conor Gallgher in the summer transfer window, the Independent report on one club who is circling.
That is Aston Villa, who need to strengthen ahead of their Champions League campaign next season.
The paper explains: “Aston Villa are looking at Conor Gallagher as they attempt to boost the squad ahead of next season’s Champions League campaign, with Chelsea open to doing business due to Profit and Sustainability Rules.
“The Birmingham club are under their own pressures due to running close to the limits, which greatly complicates any potential deals. There is nevertheless hope a deal can be done, once the market starts moving.
“A flurry of deals are expected from the Saudi Pro League, and potentially Bayern Munich, who have money to spend. Chelsea need to make major sales before 30 June, however, in order to meet their requirements.
“Villa have strong interest in Gallagher, who manager Unai Emery believes can suit their new approach. Tottenham Hotspur are still looking at the 24-year-old, but that is not [seen] as easy to do as it would have been a year ago.”