Agreement reached: Arsenal reached agreement with long-term transfer target as the striker arrives in London ahead of the medical scheduled to hold today
German newspaper Bild reported earlier this week that Arsenal aren’t in concrete negotiations with RB Leipzig to sign Benjamin Sesko.
However, this week’s edition of Sport Bild, part of the same group and written by the same people, has it all quite differently.
According to the German magazine, Arsenal and the 22-year-old have ‘reached an agreement’. That would obviously relate to personal terms and whilst it always sounds like a big step forward it’s usually just window dressing on the road to the difficult part… agreeing a deal between clubs.
Sport Bild are also optimistic on that. They state Arsenal have signalled to RB Leipzig that they’ll make an offer which will not be below the Bundesliga club’s expectations.
As far as Sport Bild have it, they could be somewhere around €80-100m.
To make it abundantly clear, the headline is: ‘Sesko and Arsenal agree – transfer fee up to €100m!’
Such levels feel quite unrealistic, especially at the higher end, and perhaps the figures being mentioned are wishful thinking on behalf of Leipzig from the German media.
Arsenal have reportedly opened talks over a deal to sign AS Roma centre-back Evan Ndicka, as per Italian outlet LaRoma24.
After running his contract down with German side Eintracht Frankfurt, the Ivory Coast international joined the Giallorossi as a free agent a couple of years ago.
However, he struggled with some health problems in his debut campaign at Stadio Olimpico and even collapsed during a Serie A game. Thankfully, he has managed to recover from that issue and was at his best last campaign.
In 38 appearances in Serie A, the 25-year-old registered a solitary assist and kept 16 clean sheets. Moreover, he was disciplined, picking up only two yellow cards throughout the campaign.
The Giallorossi endured a dismal start to last season, but Ndicka played a key role in helping the team navigate through that difficult period. Eventually, Roma ended the campaign in fifth spot, meaning they have qualified for the Europa League next season.
Now, LaRoma24 claim that having been impressed by the African’s displays last campaign, Arsenal have registered their interest in him and have held talks to learn about the details of signing him.
Ndicka to Roma
Roma want at least £34m to let their star man leave if they are forced to cash-in this summer, with his existing deal set to run until 2028.
However, the Italian outlet report that purchasing the Ivory Coast international won’t be straightforward for the North London club as Newcastle United have also made contact over this deal.
Ndicka, standing at 6ft 3in tall, is a left-footed centre-back. He is comfortable playing out from the back and is a composed defender.
The Gunners have prioritised strengthening the centre-forward position this summer, with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres heavily linked with a move.
However, with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney set to move away, Arsenal are seemingly planning to hire a new left-sided defender as well.
Ndicka possesses the physical attributes to flourish in the Premier League, so he might be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal should they purchase him.
However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club eventually make a concrete approach to lure him to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
