Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are understood to be keen on a new striker signing this summer and Benjamin Sesko looked to be the club’s main target for the centre-forward role.
The Slovenian forward has been a revelation since swapping Salzburg for RB Leipzig and a transfer away from Germany looked to be a distinct possibility but that now looks out of the question as the forward has signed a new long-term contract.
HITC understands that the forward will have a release clause in his contract that will become active next summer so a move in 2025 could be on the cards.
Sesko’s agency on transfer
HITC also reported that Chelsea were attempting to rival Arsenal for the signing of the Slovenian forward but both sides have been left disappointed by Sesko’s decision.
On Instagram, Sesko’s agency commented on the transfer and hinted that there was ‘great temptation’ for the Slovenian.
“As a football agent, it’s easy to talk about developing top talents… until you are faced with great temptation,” Pro Transfer Agency wrote on their Instagram. “In that moment, your values and vision are truly tested.
“When we say we are a leading agency in this part of Europe for the quality development of young talents, we mean it. We do what we say — and we say what we believe!”
Arsenal’s alternatives
The Gunners will now have to look elsewhere for a striker signing this summer and have been linked with Bologna centre-forward Joshua Zirkzee.
Italian giants AC Milan are progressing on a deal and HITC understands that the Serie A club are attempting to move frantically to secure the signing of the Dutch forward.
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United and Arsenal are amongst the teams who are interested in the Dutch forward, who netted 12 goals in the Serie A last season for Bologna.
