**Aston Villa Debunks Rumors of ‘Closely’ Following 25-Goal Striker Amid Chelsea and Arsenal Transfer Interest**
*June 9, 2025 – Birmingham, UK* — Aston Villa have officially distanced themselves from speculation linking the club with a summer move for a prolific striker who netted **25 goals** in all competitions last season. The striker in question, whose name has been widely circulated in connection with **Chelsea** and **Arsenal**, was reportedly on Villa’s radar — but the Midlands club has now **debunked the rumors**, calling the reports “exaggerated and misleading.”
The player at the center of the buzz is believed to be **Benjamin Šeško**, the Slovenian international currently with RB Leipzig, who has emerged as one of the most sought-after young strikers in Europe following a breakout 2024/25 campaign. Šeško, 21, scored 25 goals in all competitions, sparking interest from top Premier League clubs looking to bolster their attacking options.
While both **Chelsea and Arsenal** have reportedly submitted inquiries to Leipzig regarding his availability — with Arsenal in particular exploring alternatives to Gabriel Jesus — Aston Villa were recently drawn into the narrative by a string of speculative reports claiming Unai Emery was “closely monitoring” the striker as part of the club’s European push.
However, Villa moved quickly over the weekend to **quash the speculation**, with club sources telling journalists that there has been “no official contact” with Šeško’s representatives or Leipzig, and that **a striker of his profile is not currently a priority**.
### Villa Statement: “No Active Pursuit”
An Aston Villa spokesperson told *The Telegraph*:
> “There is currently no active pursuit of Benjamin Šeško. While we maintain a strong scouting network and evaluate many players each window, recent claims suggesting we are closely tracking this specific player are inaccurate.”
The same sentiment was echoed internally at Bodymoor Heath, where key figures in recruitment dismissed the rumors as premature and driven largely by **agent activity** and media speculation surrounding Premier League interest in the Bundesliga forward.
Villa manager **Unai Emery** is known for his strategic approach to transfers, often favoring players who fit precise tactical roles rather than chasing names based on popularity or competition. Despite the striker’s impressive goal tally, Šeško reportedly **does not match** Emery’s immediate requirements, which focus more on a versatile forward capable of dropping deep — unlike Šeško’s more traditional poacher profile.
### Chelsea and Arsenal Still in the Mix
While Villa are now officially out of the picture, the race for Šeško’s signature is still heating up, with Chelsea reportedly considering him as a potential long-term No. 9 solution amid doubts over Nicolas Jackson’s finishing consistency and Christopher Nkunku’s fitness.
**Arsenal**, meanwhile, are keeping their options open as they weigh their striker depth, especially with growing frustration over Kai Havertz’s inconsistency in the No. 9 role and Gabriel Jesus’s persistent injuries. The Gunners see Šeško as a high-upside target who could develop under Mikel Arteta’s guidance.
RB Leipzig, for their part, are reluctant to sell unless a club meets their asking price of **€60 million (£51m)** — a figure considered steep by many Premier League clubs unless there is player movement to offset the cost.
### Villa’s Actual Transfer Focus
While Villa may be passing on Šeško, the club is **far from idle** in the summer market. According to club insiders, the real focus lies in **reinforcing midfield depth, signing a left-back** to potentially replace Milos Kerkez, and **securing a rotational striker or winger** to support Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey.
Emery is also reportedly interested in adding more experience to the defense, especially with potential exits looming for fringe players like Diego Carlos and Calum Chambers. A goalkeeper signing may also be on the agenda if backup Robin Olsen leaves.
Villa are expected to operate smartly and surgically in the market, with a relatively modest budget compared to the “Big Six” — but with European football again on the horizon, the club remains an attractive destination.
### Agent Games and Media Noise
The club’s swift move to shoot down the Šeško links has also reignited conversation around the growing role of **player agents and media cycles** in shaping transfer rumors. Several Villa supporters online have accused agents of **deliberately linking players with Aston Villa** to create competitive tension and raise market value.
> “It happens every summer,” wrote one fan on social media. “As soon as Arsenal and Chelsea are in talks, suddenly we’re ‘monitoring closely’ just to drive up interest. Glad the club is shutting it down fast.”
### Verdict
While Aston Villa’s ambitions remain high, the club has made it clear that **Benjamin Šeško is not on their summer shortlist** — for now. As Villa target other areas of the squad, Chelsea and Arsenal will likely continue to battle it out for one of Europe’s most promising young finishers.
And for Villa, avoiding unnecessary bidding wars and staying focused on their actual needs might just be the smartest move they can make this window.
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