Fabrizio Romano transfer news: Sesko BOMBSHELL, Chelsea CONFIRMATION, Isak 'DREAM'

Cameron Smith

• 10 Feb 2025 11:00 GMT
• 5 min read

The January transfer window may have closed, but transfer news remains rife and Fabrizio Romano has provided a huge update ahead of this summer.

Arsenal’s striker plan

Arsenal have been linked with a new centre forward for several months and FootballTransfers understands that RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko remains a key target for Mikel Arteta.

In his latest YouTube video, Romano confirmed Arsenal’s interest in the Slovenian and provided an update on their pursuit of Alexander Isak.

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“For the striker position at Arsenal, it’s very clear; they will do something very big, very important and massive in the summer,” Romano said.

“In January, Arsenal were trying to understand the conditions of a deal for Benjamin Sesko, but RB Leipzig immediately closed the doors on a deal - no chance to negotiate with a very clear message from Oliver Mintzlaff, who really wanted to keep Sesko.

“In the summer, the feeling is completely different. The understanding is there will be a chance for Sesko to try something new and so Arsenal will be there. He is one of the top strikers on their list and he is also appreciated by other clubs, including Chelsea.

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“Arsenal have kept contacts active because they believe that Sesko could be a strong and top candidate for the striker position from next season.

Romano then provided the latest regarding Newcastle United superstar Alexander Isak. He admitted: “The other name, the dream target [for Arsenal], is Alexander Isak. But, obviously in this case, it all depends on the final Premier League table position for Newcastle - Champions League football or not.

“Newcastle plan to advance in talks to offer a new contract for Isak, but we have to see what's gonna happen there because Arteta is in love with Isak, and Sesko is also very high on the list.”

Chelsea transfer interest confirmed

In addition, Romano also confirmed that Chelsea remain interested in completing a deal for Dario Essugo - who is currently on loan at Las Palmas from Sporting CP.

The Blues were eager to finalise his arrival in January, but they were unable to reach an agreement and they signed Mathis Amouogu instead. However, Chelsea are set to rekindle their interest this summer.

“Chelsea contacted Dario Essugo on Deadline Day and he remains on Chelsea’s list for next season,” Romano revealed.

“He was on the shortlist during the final week of the January transfer window as they wanted a young, talented midfielder. Nico O’Reilly was the first choice but Manchester City said no.

“Chelsea will keep following Essugo and let’s see what they do. But for sure, Chelsea’s interest in Essugo is concrete.”

Real Madrid to offer Raul Asencio a new deal

Real Madrid’s injury crisis has handed Raul Asencio a prominent role in the first-team this season and he is set to be rewarded with a bumper new contract by Los Blancos, as per Romano.

“One of the most interesting situations in terms of contracts at Real Madrid is that of Raul Asencio - the future of the club,” the transfer expert stated.

“Real Madrid are very happy with Asencio’s attitude, development, performances in training and how he is playing on a weekly basis.

“His current contract at Real Madrid expires in the summer of 2026 and it includes a release clause of €50 million available for every club. This is why Real Madrid absolutely want to advance in negotiations to extend his contract.

“They are quite calm and optimistic because they feel the player loves Real Madrid. He is showing this kind of commitment in every game and this is why Real Madrid fans see the potential for him to be the next Sergio Ramos.”

Romano continued: “Internally at Real Madrid, the coaching staff believe this boy deserves a new contract. They will give him a longer deal, remove the €50m release clause, give him a higher salary and trust him as part of the centre-back package for next season.

“The idea remains to bring in at least one centre-back in the summer, but Asencio can absolutely be part of the squad next season, especially if he continues like this.

“Conversations started in the last week of November, but Real Madrid want to advance in the next few weeks and months to try to get the agreement with Asencio over a new deal.”

Kaoru Mitoma to Al-Nassr?

Finally, Romano provided an update on Al-Nassr’s pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion star Kaoru Mitoma.

“In the summer, keep an eye on Al-Nassr because they want to do something important in terms of winger,” Romano admitted. “They saw two bids rejected by Brighton for Kaoru Mitoma in the final days of January and they want to sign a top, top winger in the summer.

“The idea is to have Cristiano Ronaldo, Jhon Duran and one more winger available. Now there is Sadio Mane, but there is a possibility to change in the summer and to bring in one more winger,

“There are some names they are already considering and Mitoma remains a player they really love, but Brighton, in January, were very clear that the player was not for sale.

“We will see if Al-Nassr will attack for Mitoma in the summer, but they also have other names on their shortlist.”