Transfer Centre

Two Premier League clubs to rival Arsenal for Bundesliga striker?

By Devesh Jaganath | 18 April 2024

Arsenal are reportedly interested in securing a summer transfer for RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko but are likely to face competition from Chelsea and Manchester United.

Arsenal are reportedly among the clubs interested in securing a summer transfer for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko but are likely to face competition from Chelsea and Manchester United for his signature.

The 20-year-old made the move to Leipzig from sister club Red Bull Salzburg last summer and has had a promising debut season under Marco Rose, finding the net 13 times in 37 appearances.

Speculation is growing that Sesko might be on the verge of leaving Red Bull Arena at the end of the season, with his performances this term unsurprisingly catching the eye of several top clubs across Europe.

Arsenal to rival Chelsea, Man United for Sesko signature

Chelsea and Man United have also been linked with Sesko in recent weeks, with reports suggesting that the player's representatives have attended matches at both Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford this season.

RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko during the warm up on February 13, 2024 © Reuters

According to The Standard, Arsenal, who were knocked out of the Champions League in midweek by Bayern Munich, have now entered the race for Sesko, joining their Premier League counterparts.

The report adds that Leipzig are becoming more resigned to the possibility of losing the attacker in the summer and are already actively searching the market for potential replacements ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

Mikel Arteta's side have been linked with several attackers ahead of the offseason, with his two recognised centre-forwards, Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, having collectively scored just nine goals in the English top-flight this season.

Sesko release clause to become active at the end of 2023-24 season

Acquiring Sesko will come at a significant cost for the Gunners, though, as the highly sought-after youngster has a £43m release clause in his contract, which is set to become active at the end of the season.

Brentford's Ivan Toney on April 3, 2024 © Reuters

However, Arsenal will likely remain optimistic that Sesko's wage demands might be more reasonable compared to some of the other players on their wishlist.

Players like Ivan Toney, Viktor Gyokeres, Evan Ferguson and Victor Osimhen have all been linked with the Gunners in recent months, each potentially posing different financial considerations.

Sesko's current contract, which he signed upon joining RB Leipzig, is set to run until 2028.

The Gunners are currently in second place in the Premier League standings and are back in action this weekend when they travel to the Molineux Stadium to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday night.