Transfer news live: Arsenal target Chelsea star as surprise Sesko alternative, Man United make new Mbeumo offer

Arsenal and RB Leipzig remain a little bit apart on their valuations of Benjamin Sesko, Miguel Delaney reports, which has left Mikel Arteta looking at alternative options.

A very good morning. A busy summer transfer window continues apace – Liverpool are nearing another signing, Manchester United have submitted an improved offer and Arsenal are targeting a forward from one of their rivals after being dealt a blow in their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko. We’ll have all the latest news and rumours throughout the day.

Barcelona sporting director Deco and manager Hansi Flick have both gone public in their admiration for Rashford, who Manchester United are willing to sell. And the England international praised the 17-year-old winger Yamal during an interview with influencer Javi Ruiz.

Arsenal are hesitating over Benjamin Sesko, not only because of RB Leipzig’s lofty price tag, but because of the striker’s wage demands.

The Mirror reports that Sesko would expect to become the club’s highest earner – currently thought to be Kai Havertz – and that Arsenal are strongly considering Viktor Gyokeres as a back-up option.

The Gunners are already in pole position for Gyokeres, having had a first bid rejected, and the Swedish striker is reported to told friends and family that he prefers the Emirates to Old Trafford as a destination.

There is still a €10m gap between Arsenal and Leipzig on Benjamin Sesko, as the London club’s staff have also discussed a potential move for Chelsea’s Noni Madueke.

Mikel Arteta wants a striker as his priority this summer and Sesko is the main target, with all parties currently keen on a deal.

The US billionaire has sold his 42.9 per cent stake to controversial tycoon Woody Johnson for around £200m, subject to approval from the Premier League.

Antoine Semenyo is yet another Bournemouth player being linked with a move away. Man United are one club said to be interested, while Tottenham have made an inquiry about the winger.

According to The Athletic, the idea of moving to Spurs appeals to the 25-year-old but Bournemouth’s valuation is deemed too high. So Tottenham are not proceeding at present.

Amid all the Liverpool incomings, it appears midfielder Federico Chiesa is keen to leave Anfield.

It was a disappointing first season at the club for the Italian as he struggled to get match fit and only made a few appearances.

Fabrizio Romano is reporting that he’s keen on a move back to Serie A.

PSG have reportedly had a £55m bid rejected for Bournemouth’s Illya Zabarnyi.

The Champions League winners are keen to bolster their backline and have supposedly agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old Ukrainian but the Cherries don’t want to sell.

The English side have already lost one of their key defensive options after Dean Huijsen departed for Real Madrid in a deal worth £50m, while left-back Milos Kerkez is on the verge of joining Liverpool for £40m.

The defender is expected to join the 2024 Bundesliga champions as the summer trading between the two clubs continues.

Liverpool could have a buy-back clause in the deal, which is likely to go through after the end of England Under-21s’ European Championship campaign, with Quansah helping Lee Carsley’s team reach the semi-finals.