TEAMtalk claims that Arsenal will likely sign Benjamin Sesko, a striker for RB Leipzig, above Manchester United and Bayern Munich in the summer.
The Slovenian international was a target for the Gunners last summer, but he ultimately chose to remain with Leipzig. In the end, the 21-year-old signed a new, long-term deal with the Bundesliga team.
This hasn’t put an end to rumors about his future, as TEAMtalk reports that manager Mikel Arteta is still anxious to sign a top striker to compete with Manchester City and Liverpool.
Sesko in particular is of great interest to Arsenal. According to the sources, the Gunners have an advantage over Man United and Bayern since they have discussed with the player’s camp and made it known that they can give him the most playing time for the rest of his career.
Excellent opportunityArsenal had high hopes of acquiring the gifted Leipzig center-forward after a strong debut campaign in which he finished with 18 goals and 2 assists. Leipzig, though, finally persuaded him to officially announce a renewal.
The £55 million release clause in his contract was eliminated by the German powerhouses in the process, and any interested club will need to spend considerably more to pry him away in the upcoming transfer windows.
Journalist Marco Guidi of Gazzetta dello Sport recently stated that Sesko might cost £66 million or more the next summer, and if he plays well this season, Arsenal might be willing to pay such a high price.
In 9 games this season, the Slovenian has 6 goals and 3 assists. Bayern might be considering him, but he won’t likely settle for second fiddle status behind Harry Kane at center forward.
He might encounter a similar circumstance with United, who just acquired Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund. Despite Kai Havertz’s strong performance this season, there is still room for a starting berth up front at Arsenal.
When needed, Havertz can easily drop into midfield, which could free up Sesko to take the attack lead. If Sesko joined before the next season, Gabriel Jesus might be released.