Just In: Arteta ‘changes Arsenal plan’ after Sesko decision amid new transfer priority – Realsport
Benjamin Sesko choosing to sign a new contract at RB Leipzig could have altered Arsenal’s transfer plans. As revealed by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Slovenia international made the decision to stay in Germany and continue his development, snubbing approaches from several Premier League clubs in the process.
The Gunners were the team leading the race for his signature over Chelsea and Manchester United, but his decision to stay has handed Mikel Arteta and Edu a blow. The £55million release clause in his contract was the major selling point in acquiring his services, especially in comparison to the asking prices of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres.
In the wake of Sesko accepting terms for a new and improved contract, Man United have turned their attention to Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee with Arsenal also interested in the Netherlands international. Chelsea meanwhile, are focusing on Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran.
Zirkzee is also of interest to AC Milan with the Italian club keen to meet his €40million (£34m) and though Arsenal would like to sign a striker, it was never a major priority with their Sesko pursuit sanctioned because of how good the opportunity to sign a young and prolific forward was.
According to The Telegraph’s Sam Dean, Arsenal are keen to strengthen out wide and may now prioritise the acquisition of a winger instead of a more traditional striker. With that shift in transfer plans being mooted, there are a number of options that Arsenal could sign to improve depth, particularly behind Bukayo Saka.
Pedro Neto, Nico Williams and Johan Bakayoko have all been linked to an Emirates Stadium switch. Liverpool are also interested in the latter with Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise an option for seemingly every Premier League club regularly competing for European qualification spots.
While signing a winger has become more of a priority, it is now very likely that adding a natural No.9 to Arteta’s squad is not a job for this summer. Agreeing deals for a new goalkeeper, full-back and midfielder though, may have become more important to Arteta with the latter always his main issue to solve.
