Transfer news live: Sesko agent speaks out on Arsenal ‘agreement’, Isak on Liverpool radar – UK Times

Now, put this one down in the wild rumour camp but Liverpool have reportedly put Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak on their radar.

GiveMeSport say that the Reds are preparing a big bid for Isak which would surpass the club record spend of £116m they are doing to bring in Florian Wirtz.

That seemingly goes against Liverpool’s transfer market caution and Newcastle will be reluctant to let Isak go cheaply.

Along with Wirtz, Liverpool have already signed Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez is set to arrive as well.

A huge expenditure for Isak doesn’t seem possible, at least not in this window, even for a club as popular as Liverpool.

Chalk this one down as intriguing but highly unlikely.

Arsenal have held “exploratory talks” with Real Madrid forward Rodrygo as Mikel Arteta seeks to upgrade his forward options.

Rodrygo’s role in the Madrid faded towards the end of last season, and The Independent reported this month that the 24-year-old Brazilian would not be a natural fit for new manager Xabi Alonso’s preferred system.

Ben Jacobs reports that Arsenal hold a “genuine interest” in Rodrygo, with ongoing talks dating back to May. Madrid value their player at around €90m.

Florian Wirtz will undergo a medical with Liverpool on Friday after Bayer Leverkusen agreed a record breaking prcie for the winger.

More details about his contract with the Reds are slipping through with Fabrizio Romano saying Wirtz will earn £200,000 per week at Anfield plus bonues on top.

There were rumours of an even higher salary for the German but Liverpool will want him to fit into their current wage structure.

Benjamin Sesko’s agent, Elivis Basanovic, says rumours that RB Leipzig are being pressured lower their asking price for the forward are ‘rubbish’.

Basanovic made clear that the German club and Sesko have a respectable relationship and are both aware of the other’s priorities. Those, of course, being: Sesko’s desire to move to Arsenal and Leipzig wanting to negotiate the best price for him.

Leipzig are open to letting Sesko leave and the forward has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Gunners but Basanovic sought to ‘clarify’ matters and stressed he will honour Leipzig’s price tag of a reported €80-100m (£68-86m).

Benjamin Sesko’s agent, Elivis Basanovic, says rumours that RB Leipzig are being pressured lower their asking price for the forward are ‘rubbish’.

Basanovic made clear that the German club and Sesko have a respected relationship and are both aware of the other’s priorities.

Those, of course, being: Sesko’s desire to move to Arsenal and Leipzig wanting to negotiate the best price for him.

Leipzig are open to letting Sesko leave and the forward has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Gunners.

“We respect RB Leipzig and I am 100 per cent convinced RB Leipzig will also respect our decision for the next step when we decide to do it.

“Even if there may be – or will be – a strong desire of the player to move to a certain club, we will never force or blackmail RB Leipzig.”

Viktor Gyokeres has refused to engage in more talks over his future with current club Sporting CP, according to Record in Portugal, as he believes the club are reneging on a verbal agreement to sell him for offers at around £50m.

Arsenal have seen an offer rejected for the Swedish striker, while Manchester United and Juventus are also known to be interested in his services. But Gyokeres is reported as feeling frustrated with the Sporting hierarchy over their handling of the situation.

He posted on Instagram last week: “There is a lot of talks at the moment, most of it is false. I will speak when the time is right.”

Arsenal have reportedly “agreed personal terms” with their prime No 9 target Benjamin Sesko, according to Sport Bild via sportwitness, but there remains a major stumbling block in the shape of his huge price tag.

Sky Sports Germany reports that Leipzig are holding out for €80-100m (£68-86m), and Arsenal are reluctant to go that high. Even so, several reports have said the Gunners are preparing a first solid bid for the striker.

It is clearly a delicate operation, with Viktor Gyokeres waiting on hold to see how the situation progresses.

Sky Sports reports that Jadon Sancho is under consideration at Napoli, though the winger would need to take a significant pay cut if he were to join the Italian champions.

Napoli “will formally approach Man Utd if they believe a move is realistic”, and they have reportedly been in touch with Sancho’s representatives over personal terms.

United are said to prefer a permanent sale to any other type of deal, and it is thought their valuation is around £25m.