Arsenal face tough competition in the race to sign Benjamin Sesko. The 22-year-old striker continues to be heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options.
Sesko, who sees his contract at the Red Bull Arena expire in June 2029, featured 33 times in the Bundesliga this season, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists. Despite his best efforts, the German outfit failed to qualify for either of UEFA's three club competitions.
His impressive performances didn't go unnoticed though, attracting interest from some top European clubs. So, with that being said, football.london rounds up everything you need to know about Sesko and his future at Leipzig.
Bayern join the race to sign Sesko
According to the German newspaper Bild, as quoted by the Daily Mail, Bayern Munich are still open to signing Sesko. The report, however, acknowledges that Arsenal 'hold the upper hand' over the Bundesliga champions in the race for the Leipzig striker.
Arsenal frustrated by Gyokeres saga
According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Arsenal have shelved their interest in Viktor Gyokeres, who has a £85m release clause written into his contract, in favour of a potential deal for Sesko. The report claims that the Gunners had an initial £55m bid for the Sporting striker rejected before an improved offer, worth around £60m, was also turned down.
Record claims that higher-ups at the Emirates Stadium have been frustrated by the Gyokeres saga, so much so that they've turned their attention to Sesko. Ollie Watkins has also been named as a potential target.
Sesko given Saudi instruction
Matjaz Kek has told Sesko to ignore interest from the Saudi Pro League and make a 'smart' decision over his future this summer. The Arsenal target has recently been linked with a move to Al-Hilal, who are in the market for a new marquee signing following Neymar's exit earlier this year.
Speaking to reporters following Slovenia's 2-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina last week, Kek commented on Sesko's future. As quoted by the Metro, the Slovenia head coach said: "Benjamin Sesko and Saudi Arabia? I would advise him to never go there, at least not at his age."
On the interest Sesko has attracted from the Gunners, among others, Kek added: "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."
Leipzig set Sesko price tag
According to German outlet BILD, Leipzig are willing to open negotiations for Sesko at €70m (£59m), although they're hoping to rake in €100m (£84m). The report claims that Arsenal are interested in signing the Slovenia international, but they face tough competition from Manchester United, Juventus and AC Milan.
Last month, it was said that the Gunners are leading the race for Sesko's signature, having 'positioned themselves' to wrap up a deal.
Sesko provides an update on his future
Sesko provided an update on his future during an interview with Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport back in October. The Leipzig star said: "I don’t comment on transfer rumours.
"I’m happy in Leipzig and that’s why I recently extended my contract. I want to achieve even more great things here, Leipzig wants to grow a lot and I want to accompany the team on this very intriguing journey."
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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