Arsenal already make contact with 6ft 5 striker target ahead of the summer who is deemed to be the “perfect” Gabriel Jesus replacement
Arsenal already make contact with 6ft 5 striker target ahead of the summer
Arsenal are keeping a close watch on one of their summer transfer targets after making contact with the player ahead of a possible move
Arsenal have reportedly maintained their interest in Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko, a target from the summer transfer window, despite missing out on the player earlier this year. The Gunners were actively seeking attacking reinforcements after parting ways with several key players.
Eddie Nketiah was sold to Crystal Palace, Emile Smith Rowe moved to Fulham, and Reiss Nelson joined Fulham on a season-long loan. With the squad appearing thin up front, Arsenal made a last-minute move to sign Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea.
Concerns had been raised about Arsenal’s lack of a natural striker, but Kai Havertz has filled the role admirably. The German forward has been in fine form, scoring six goals in ten appearances this season and steadily improving with each game.
Arsenal were heavily linked with 6’5″ Slovenian forward Benjamin Sesko during the summer. However, the 21-year-old opted to remain at RB Leipzig and sign a new contract, a decision that seems to have paid off. Sesko has become a key figure at Leipzig, scoring six goals in nine matches this season, solidifying his reputation as one of Europe’s rising stars.
The Gunners are continuing to keep tabs on Sesko’s progress, reportedly sending scouts to watch him in action during RB Leipzig’s recent UEFA Champions League clash with Juventus. Sesko scored twice in the game, while Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic, another former Arsenal target, also netted twice. Juventus ultimately secured a 3-2 victory with a late goal from Francisco Conceicao.
While Arsenal’s pursuit of Vlahovic appears to have ended, their interest in Sesko remains strong. According to journalist Charles Watts, writing in his Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside, Arsenal are closely monitoring Sesko this season with the possibility of revisiting their interest in the striker in the future.
Watts wrote: “Obviously they were very keen to bring him in during the last transfer window, but the 21-year-old decided to stay and sign a new contract with Leipzig. That decision was a disappointment to Arsenal, but I don’t believe it was a decision that burned any bridges between the club and the striker in terms of a move in the future.
“A lot of groundwork was done before the summer window, and I don’t believe there has been any sort of breakdown in relationship behind the scenes just because Sesko opted to stay put.”
With Sesko continuing to impress in the Bundesliga and Champions League, Arsenal may look to reignite their interest in the young forward in future transfer windows as they seek long-term attacking options.