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Benjamin Sesko has reportedly turned down a move to the Saudi Pro League amid reported interest from Arsenal. Al Hilal were said to be keen on signing him ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup deadline, but the striker opted against the move.
As per a report in The Independent, RB Leipzig are still open to the sale of Sesko but have changed their stance. They want over £65 million for the striker and Arsenal remain in talks to lower the fees.
Al Hilal were willing to match the Bundesliga side's asking price but the Slovenian did not want to move to the Saudi Pro League. The Middle Eastern side saw him as an ideal alternative for Victor Osimhen, who reportedly rejected them despite multiple agreements.
Slovenia head coach Matjaz Kek spoke about the Saudi Pro League's interest in Sesko and urged the striker to remain in Europe. He said (via Metro):
"Benjamin Sesko and Saudi Arabia? I would advise him to never go there, at least not at his age. This is a great recognition, these are clubs that mean a lot. It’s not that I underestimate the Saudi Pro League. On the contrary, I worked there at Al-Ittihad and the club is still a part of me. I also watch the league regularly… but the time will come for Benjamin Sesko for that. I am convinced that Benjamin himself and the people who care for him will be smart enough to make the right solution. That means going somewhere where he can play football because that is the only way he can be happy."
Arsenal face competition from Manchester United as they look to bolster their attack. Both sides are also said to be interested in Viktor Gyokeres, who has been linked with a move to the Premier League.
Arsenal urged not to sign Sesko by Frank Leboeuf
Football pundit Frank Leboeuf has his reservations about Benjamin Sesko's price tag. He also urged Arsenal not to sign the striker. He believes that the Gunners can get a better deal elsewhere and said on ESPN FC:
"The top people at clubs, if it’s not their money they don’t care, they will spend it. If the money was coming out of their bank account they would be more careful and cautious. That’s crazy [RB Leipzig’s valuation for Sesko]. You have so many examples of clubs who have spent big money on players from smaller clubs."
Leboeuf believes that the RB Leipzig striker will flop in the Premier League like Jadon Sancho and Darwin Nunez.
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Edited by Sankalp Srivastava