EXCL: Arsenal eye THREE alternatives to Sesko, Chelsea delighted to beat rivals to signing, latest on Rashford's Man Utd future, & more

Chelsea could still be busy, with big names from the Premier League in their sights, plus Arsenal chasing midfielders as well as strikers...

Arsenal eye three possible alternatives to Benjamin Sesko

Arsenal are searching for another striker after Benjamin Sesko decided to stay at Leipzig. A renewal, on new lucrative terms, was always a concrete possibility. Arsenal's pitch was strong, but Sesko felt staying an extra was better for his development. There is a gentleman's agreement he can still be sold in summer 2025.

Arsenal have plenty of other options on their list, including Evan Ferguson and Viktor Gyokeres. They are also keeping a very close eye on the Joshua Zirkzee situation. Milan are pushing to complete a deal, but if it falls through I expect Arsenal to be in the conversation for the Bologna striker.

Alongside looking for a new striker, Arsenal still see midfield as a priority. The kind of midfielder they’re looking for will be defined by whether they see Declan Rice as a predominant no.6 or no.8 - though that’s not to say that Mikel Arteta will be so rigid as to force him to play in only one role, but the profile they’ll look for will have to complement Rice.