Benjamin Sesko has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal recently, and the Gunners may need to raise funds before launching a bid.
Jose Mourinho is eager to make his mark on the Fenerbahce squad this summer. The former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager recently signed a two-year deal with the Turkish giants following his departure from AS Roma in January.
On Sunday, he was unveiled as the new Fenerbahce boss in front of thousands of enthusiastic fans. Speaking at a press conference at the club’s training ground in Istanbul, Mourinho vowed to bring attention to Turkish football.
“One of the things is, I bring attention in with me,” said the 61-year-old. “More people in Europe will follow the Turkish league. I’m coming to work for Turkish football, for Turkish Super Lig. But fundamentally, I come for Fenerbahce.”
Mourinho added: “My wish is that Turkish football improves at every level. But if I have to raise my voice to defend Fenerbahce, I will not think twice.”
With the Portuguese tactician expected to revitalize the Turkish top flight, a move to Fenerbahce becomes far more attractive—especially for players looking to reinvigorate their careers.
Several Arsenal players have struggled to secure a spot in Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup. With that in mind, football.london has identified potential players Mourinho could lure from Arsenal, with the proceeds potentially funding a bid for Benjamin Sesko.
Emile Smith Rowe – £12.7m
Smith Rowe faces an uncertain future at the Emirates Stadium after a challenging campaign. The 23-year-old midfielder, whose contract expires in 2026, featured in only 19 games for the Gunners, averaging just 25 minutes per appearance.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal ‘may accept the time is right to sell’ Smith Rowe this summer. The report states that club officials discussed his future with the player’s representatives last year, indicating he wasn’t for sale. However, Mikel Arteta recognizes his potential as a ‘match-winner,’ but the club might decide to cash in on the playmaker. Smith Rowe enjoyed an impressive 2021/22 season but has struggled with injuries since.
Fabio Vieira – £8.5m
Vieira has also faced challenges recently. The 24-year-old midfielder missed a significant portion of the season due to a groin injury while serving a three-match ban. Although he wasn’t a regular starter, Vieira couldn’t secure a spot in Arteta’s side upon his return in February, making just three substitute appearances in the Premier League in 2024.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – £25.5m
Zinchenko’s future at Arsenal is uncertain after falling out of favor with Arteta. The 29-year-old defender appeared in all but one of the Gunners’ games in the first half of the Premier League campaign, missing the opening weekend due to injury. After suffering a calf issue during the festive period, Zinchenko struggled to regain his place in the starting lineup. His contract at the Emirates Stadium expires in June 2026, raising questions about his future role.
Aaron Ramsdale – £25.5m
Ramsdale has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium after losing his starting spot to David Raya. The Spaniard has established himself as Arteta’s new first-choice goalkeeper, which is a tough break for Ramsdale after helping Arsenal finish second in 2022/23.
With these potential sales, Arsenal could, in theory, raise as much as £72.2m, which could be used to fund a move for Benjamin Sesko. It remains to be seen whether Mourinho will target any of these players, but he will undoubtedly look to strengthen his new squad this summer.