Latest transfer news and rumors: Sesko sets sights on Arsenal

The transfer window may be closed, but the rumors never stop swirling. Check in every day for all the latest buzz from across the soccer world.

Top story: Sesko leaning toward Arsenal move

RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko will have plenty of options this summer to join some of Europe's biggest clubs. But the race might be over before the summer transfer window has even opened, with news that the 21-year-old wants to join Arsenal.

Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and AC Milan have been among the teams expected to pursue the Slovenia international. Manchester United will probably need to win the Europa League to have a shot, but that might not be enough to steer Sesko, who has a €70-million release clause, away from signing for the north London club. (Bild)

Other rumors

March 29

Bayern hunt for Neuer replacement: Bayern Munich are set to bid on £60m-rated Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen this summer. The 22-year-old is considered a long-term replacement for Manuel Neuer. (The Telegraph)

Man United consider Simons: Manchester United haven't completely soured on signing Dutch players after Erik ten Hag's exit. The club is interested in RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons, who could cost as much as €80 million. (TEAMtalk)

Blues going for Kounde: Chelsea are expected to launch an aggressive bid to sign Barcelona defender Jules Kounde after the season. The Blues want to convert the right-back into a center-back. (AS)

KDB linked with shock move: River Plate have been urged to sign Kevin De Bruyne after his contract expires this summer. Club legend Carlos Morete believes the Man City star can help the Argentine team win the Club World Cup. (TyC)

Williams contacted by Chelsea: Strugglers Chelsea have touched base with Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams. Arsenal, Liverpool, and Spurs also want to sign the Spain international, who has a €58-million release clause. (TEAMtalk)

Amorim wants Trincao reunion: Sporting CP's Francisco Trincao has been identified as a top target this summer for Man United, whose coach is former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim. The winger has a £50-million release clause, 50% of which goes to Barcelona. (talkSPORT)

Villa leading Madueke race: Aston Villa are the frontrunners to sign Chelsea forward Noni Madueke. The Blues are hopeful of making a marginal profit after buying the 23-year-old from PSV for £30 million in 2023. (GiveMeSport)

March 28

Salah closer to extension: Liverpool have made their highest contract offer to date to pending free agent Mohamed Salah. Alexander-Arnold's likely move to Real Madrid has freed up funds for Liverpool to redirect to Salah. (Masrawy)

TAA's replacement lined up: Liverpool are discussing the possibility of signing Bayer Leverkusen full-back Jeremie Frimpong as Trent Alexander-Arnold's replacement. Frimpong has a £33.5-million release clause. (PA News Agency)

No love for Darwin: Newcastle won't do business with Liverpool if they insist on swapping Darwin Nunez for Alexander Isak. Newcastle coach Eddie Howe doesn't believe Nunez would fit in his lineup or provide sufficient cover for Isak. (GiveMeSport)

Big summer for Man United: The Red Devils could move as many as 11 players in the summer window as contracts and loan deals come to an end. Alejandro Garnacho could still leave despite winning back Ruben Amorim's trust. (The Athletic)

Forest join Osimhen sweepstakes: Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis wants to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen for his Champions League-bound outfit but understands his club isn't high on the player's summer wish list. (Football Insider)

Griezmann not ready for MLS: Antoine Griezmann is likely to stay at Atletico Madrid next season despite being linked with Los Angeles FC. Griezmann said in 2023 it's his "objective" to play in Major League Soccer. (ESPN)

EPL teams calling for David: Six Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea, have been in contact with Jonathan David's representatives over a summer move. (The i Paper)

March 27

Isak's contract talks stall: Newcastle United have suspended contract talks with star striker Alexander Isak after failing to reach an agreement with the player. The Magpies had been offering fresh terms as Arsenal and Liverpool ramped up their interest. (Caught Offside)

Arsenal have Isak alternative: As Newcastle demand £150 million for Isak, Arsenal are turning their attention to Eintracht Frankfurt hotshot Hugo Ekitike, who has 19 goals this season and a more reasonable £60-million price tag. (The Sun)

Juve might sacrifice Cambiaso: Juventus are considering selling Andrea Cambiaso to cover the €30 million it cost them to fire head coach Thiago Motta. Manchester City nearly signed the Italian left-back in January and could return with a €60-million offer. (La Gazzetta dello Sport)

Still no deal for Mainoo: Manchester United could sell academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo for around £70 million if they can't re-sign the midfielder by the end of the season. Talks have gone on for a year without a compromise being struck. (Manchester Evening News)

Newcastle eyeing Quansah: Newcastle believe £30 million would be enough to get Liverpool to sell defender Jarell Quansah. That would require some flexibility from the Reds, who didn't even consider selling the homegrown center-back for £50 million last summer. (The Times)

Arsenal counting on Zubimendi: Reports that Real Madrid are homing in on Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi are off the mark as Arsenal still expect the the 26-year-old to honor his word and join them in the summer. (David Ornstein)

March 26

TAA offered big bucks to stay: By advancing in talks with Real Madrid, Trent Alexander-Arnold seems to have rejected Liverpool's offer to make him the highest-paid English player in the Premier League. Jack Grealish currently leads all Englishmen with an annual salary of £15.6 million. (TBR Football)

Dibling's massive price tag: Southampton won't accept less than £100 million for 19-year-old midfielder Tyler Dibling despite their near-certain relegation from the Premier League. Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City are interested. (The Telegraph)

Atletico in for Romero: Tottenham could raise the money they'd need to sign Dibling if they sell Cristian Romero to potential suitors Atletico Madrid, who believe the Argentine would become one of the world's best center-backs under countryman Diego Simeone. (Sky Sports)

Inter working on David: Inter are hoping Jonathan David becomes the latest free agent to join their competitive roster. The Canadian striker will leave Lille, where he's played since 2020, when his contract expires June 30. (Nicolo Schira)

Big clubs circling Hato: Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and AC Milan are closely monitoring versatile Ajax defender Jorrel Hato. Ajax have raised their asking price to around €50 million from their original €30-million valuation. (TEAMtalk)

Asencio gets pay raise: Real Madrid are rewarding academy graduate Raul Asencio with a new four-year contract worth €6.2 million per season. Asencio's previous €50-million release clause, which caused some worry in Madrid's ranks, will be terminated. (Marca)

March 25

Madrid target Williams: Barcelona are rumored to be in the running to sign the Spain winger but could face competition from their Liga rivals in the event that Vinicius Junior leaves for Saudi Arabia this summer. (Fichajes)

Mass exodus at United: Up to 10 players could depart Manchester United this summer. Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Jadon Sancho (all on loan) are among those expected to be part of the overhaul. (Manchester Evening News)

Man Utd turn to Fenerbahce: The search for another center-back has led Manchester United to Turkey. The club is considering a move for 19-year-old Fenerbahce defender Yusuf Akcicek. (The Mirror)

Barca to raid Newcastle: Sandro Tonali is the latest Newcastle star to be linked with Barcelona, who also want to sign Alexander Isak. The two players have a combined value of €210 million. (Mundo Deportivo)

Wirtz unsure over extension: Florian Wirtz hasn't decided if he wants to sign an extension with Bayer Leverkusen. He's been offered a new deal that includes a release clause in 2026. (Sky Sport Germany)

McKennie future uncertain: Interim manager Igor Tudor's arrival at Juve has led to doubts Weston McKennie will extend his stay beyond 2026. Several others, such as Dusan Vlahovic, also face uncertain futures. (Calciomercato)

March 24

Isak favors Liverpool switch: Barcelona's hopes of signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle United could be in danger if Liverpool decide to make a move. The striker prefers joining Liverpool over Barca. (El Nacional)

Ultimatum for Los Blancos?: Real Madrid could be forced to choose between Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo this summer amid rising concerns about the star players struggling to operate with each other. (Diario Sport)

Kane considers England return: Harry Kane's time in Germany could be set to end, as the former Tottenham striker eyes a move back home. The 31-year-old favors joining Liverpool if he leaves Bayern Munich. (Fichajes)

Reds want pair of Cherries: Milos Kerkez or Antoine Semenyo could be tempted to leave Bournemouth if Liverpool come knocking. The Reds could send Ben Doak the other way to sweeten any potential deal. (The Sun)

Huijsen sweepstakes heat up: Real Madrid and Barcelona are the latest teams to be linked with Bournemouth center-back Deal Huijsen. Liverpool and Newcastle are also interested in the Dutch international. (Diario Sport)

March 23

No way back for Rashford: Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim won't welcome back Marcus Rashford if Aston Villa don't sign him permanently. United hope to sell him for as much as £60 million. (Daily Star)

Luis Diaz dreams of Barca: Colombian forward Luis Diaz is waiting for Barcelona to make his dream a reality and sign him from Liverpool, even as Arne Slot urges upper management to keep him. (Mundo Deportivo)

Forest lining up Douglas Luiz: Nottingham Forest's incoming sporting director, Edu Gaspar, could leverage his relationship with powerful agent Kia Joorabchian to sign Juventus' €50-million midfielder. (Tuttosport)

MLS club confirms KDB talks: San Diego sporting director Tyler Heaps admitted he held talks with Kevin De Bruyne's agent over a potential summer move but emphasized his wages are too high for the club's budget. (The Sun)

Onana off to Saudi Arabia: With Andre Onana expected to leave Manchester United for Saudi Arabia in the summer window, the Red Devils are monitoring Royal Antwerp's Senne Lammens and Lille's Lucas Chevalier. (The Sun)

De Gea staying put: Fiorentina will trigger an automatic one-year contract extension for David De Gea. They consider the shot-stopper an untouchable first-team player midway through his fruitful first season. (Nicolo Schira)