Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou urges Arsenal transfer target not to move to Premier League yet live on ITV
TOTTENHAM chief Ange Postecoglou sparked hysterics live on ITV – by suggesting Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko snubs a Premier League move this summer.
Chelsea and Manchester United have also been linked with the RB Leipzig striker, who is celebrating Slovenia making history in reaching the last-16 at Euro 2024.
The Gunners remain frontrunners should the 21-year-old opt to move.
But Sesko has a reported £55.3million release clause and the latest expectation from Germany is that he will extend his Leipzig contract.
And when ITV discussed exciting footage of the hot prospect following England’s 0-0 draw with Slovenia, Postecoglou delivered a verdict that had his fellow pundits bursting into laughter.
The straight-faced Aussie said: “I think a big club would have looked at him this year, and it’s a smart move for him to stay there for another year.
“I think there’s still some development in him, but really good attributes for a striker position, for sure.”
Presenter Mark Pougatch gleefully responded: “Is that the Tottenham manager saying it’s a smart move not to go to Arsenal?”
Postecoglou quickly replied: “No comment, mate.”
Cue great amusement from the studio’s other experts – Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane.”
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After holding Gareth Southgate‘s Three Lions to a stalemate, Sesko and Co launched the type of crazy rejoicing rarely seen by a team who had merely secured third place in their group.
But Slovenia‘s joy was understandable as it’s the first time they have reached the knockout stage of a major tournament.
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Chelsea have made an enquiry for Newcastle star Alexander Isak, according to reports.
Barcelona are reportedly looking to bring Jadon Sancho in on loan.
Roma could offer Kalvin Phillips the chance to relaunch his career in Italy.
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Sesko bagged 14 German top-flight goals for Leipzig in the domestic season just finished.
That placed him joint eighth overall in the Bundesliga – way behind 36-goal top man Harry Kane in his first campaign for Bayern Munich.
Second in the scoring table was Serhou Guirassy, who also looms large on Arsenal’s summer wish-list.
Guirassy hit 28 goals in helping Stuttgart to a surprise runners-up spot.
And the Guinea ace, 28, has reportedly told his club he wants a transfer.
Mikel Arteta's striker shopping list
By Jordan Davies
ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
Dutch wonder is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him.