Arsenal have been thrown a curveball in the race to sign Benjamin Sesko this summer. The RB Leipzig striker has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for a while now as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his frontline.
Sesko, whose contract at the Red Bull Arena expires in June 2029, featured 33 times in the Bundesliga this term, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists. Despite his best efforts, the German team failed to qualify for either of UEFA's three club competitions.
With Leipzig thus set to miss out on significant prize money, they could be left no choice but to cash in on the Slovenian international. So, football.london has rounded up everything you need to know about Sesko and his future.
Arsenal consider pulling out of Sesko race
According to The Mirror, Arsenal may back out of the race to sign Sesko, having grown frustrated with the striker over his wage demands. The report claims that the Gunners want to sign the Slovenian, and they're ready pay the £70m asking price that Leipzig have demanded.
It's said that Sesko's entourage are looking for a 'big pay day' and they want more than what Arsenal are preparing to fork out. So, the north Londoners could pull out and leave the Bundesliga outfit empty-handed.
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Sesko keeps cards close to his chest
Sesko has provided a brief update on what he's getting up to during the off-season. On Sunday morning, he posted a video of himself to Instagram, training in what looked to be a home gym, peddling away on an exercise bike.
With a move to the Premier League on the cards, the striker seems keen on staying fit ahead of pre-season.
Benjamin Sesko on an exercise bike.
Benjamin Sesko working hard to stay fit during the off-season.
Sesko's agent addresses transfer rumours
Earlier this month, Sesko's agent quashed rumours that Leipzig are under pressure to sell the striker this summer. Speaking to GiveMeSport, Elivis Basanovic said: "Even if there may be - or will be - a strong desire of the player to move to a certain club, we will never force or blackmail RB Leipzig.
"I believe this is not the right way, because the way you actually exit from the club shows your values. Values that you are bringing into a new club.
"I can understand in very big transfers, there are a lot of different interests but no matter what, I believe a football world should be more respect. So that's why we do things in the right way or we don't do them.
"It's very simple, even maybe in the media it looks very complicated."
Arsenal have been chasing Sesko for a while
football.london understands that Arsenal remain interested in signing Sesko, even if his stock has fallen a little following an underwhelming season. The Gunners wanted to secure the 22-year-old's signature last year, but the talks never reached an advanced stage.
He was keen to resolve his future at Leipzig before Euro 2024, but the north Londoners couldn't commit to a deal with Eddie Nketiah still at the club. By the time the Hale End graduate eventually left, Sesko had already penned a contract extension at the Red Bull Arena.
Despite missing out, football.london understands that Arsenal continued to monitor his progress. Now, it's up to Berta to get a deal over the line...
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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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