‘I rejected Man Utd for one reason - now I could join Arsenal in big-money deal’
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Arsenal transfer target Benjamin Sesko once snubbed rivals Manchester United. The RB Leipzig striker, 21, has emerged as the solution to Arsenal’s attacking woes this January transfer window. Mikel Arteta’s side are in need of a clinical out-and-out striker as they look to keep pace with Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Kai Havertz’s poor form, as well as a long-term injury to Gabriel Jesus, has increased speculation in recent weeks regarding the Gunners’ pursuit of Sesko, who was linked with a move to the north Londoners last summer. Arteta missed out on the Slovenian forward, however, as he opted to remain in Germany for another year and signed a new deal with Leipzig until 2029. And a year prior, when Sesko still played for sister club Red Bull Salzburg, he rejected United in favour of the Bundesliga outfit.
Sesko explained at the time that he thought it was “better” to join Leipzig because the style of play was a better fit and one that he was accustomed to at Salzburg. “It was very important for me to go to a place that plays a similar style of football. I already knew what I had to do and didn’t have to go through a whole learning process again,” he said.
Recognising his need for a striker ahead of the current season, Arsenal boss Arteta showed interest in Sesko the following year in 2024. But the youngster once again made a decision based on what will benefit his career most, which was to stay at Leipzig for another year.
His new deal removed the £55million release clause in his previous contract, while some reports claimed Sesko had negotiated a gentleman’s agreement to let him leave for £60m in the summer of 2025. Mirror Footballrevealed last May that Sesko favours a move to the Gunners. Yet despite their renewed interest in signing him, the Athletic claim he's unlikely to leave Germany this month.
