Slovenia v Slovakia -UEFA Nations league
Arsenal are currently in talks with RB Leipzig over a move for Benjamin Sesko (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal transfer target Benjamin Sesko won’t play for Slovenia in their international friendly match against Bosnia and Herzegovina tonight.
The Gunners are currently in talks with RB Leipzig over a move – but it’s thought that recent discussions haven’t yielded much progress.
Clubs from the Saudi Pro League have joined the race to sign the striker and it’s now been revealed why Sesko isn’t playing for his nation today.
Here’s everything you need to know before Slovenia face Bosnia and Herzegovina in a 5pm kick-off…
Why is Benjamin Sesko not playing for Slovenia tonight?
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According to reports, Sesko asked the Slovenian FA to leave him out of tonight’s clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina to avoid picking up an injury.
Arsenal are set for a fresh round of talks with RB Leipzig this week – with Sesko reportedly keen to stay in Europe despite the recent Saudi interest.
VfL Wolfsburg and RB Leipzig - 1. Bundesliga
Benjamin Sesko is keen to avoid an injury amid speculation over his future (Picture: Getty)
Will Arsenal sign Benjamin Sesko this summer?
It’s no secret that Arsenal are desperate to recruit a new striker in the summer transfer window.
While talks took place to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, Sesko has emerged as Arsenal’s top target.
The only problem is that RB Leipzig are standing firm on their £70m valuation, which has become somewhat of a stumbling block.
Arsenal are not the only club linked to the 22-year-old either – with interest from the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Napoli and Atletico Madrid.
Why are Arsenal so keen on Benjamin Sesko?
RB Leipzig v VfB Stuttgart - 1. Bundesliga
Benjamin Sesko is well suited to Arsenal’s style of play (Picture: Getty)
*Analysis from Metro‘s Sports Reporter Ben Fleming…*
Sesko’s numbers are not mind-blowing – but it is his age and versatility that have drawn Arsenal’s attention once again this summer.
Blessed with a 6ft 5in frame, Sesko’s obvious physical advantages would make him an asset for Arsenal, who create a high proportion of their chances from crosses and set pieces.
The striker would provide more than just a focal point at the top of the pitch and is more than capable of dropping deep to receive the ball and link up play, even if his passing still has plenty of room for improvement.
His ability to occupy two centre-backs would provide a hugely beneficial distraction for Bukayo Saka, while his instinctive finishing inside the box stands out too.
Who will Arsenal sign if they can’t get Benjamin Sesko?
As mentioned earlier, Arsenal have also been in talks over a move for Sporting CP’s Gyokeres.
FBL-ENG-PR-MAN CITY-ASTON VILLA
Arsenal have been told to ‘go back into the market for Ollie Watkins’ (Picture: Getty)
Gyokeres has scored a total of 97 goals across 102 games for the Portuguese club since joining them from Coventry City in 2023.
Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak was previously Arsenal’s No.1 striker target before the Gunners were priced out for a move for the Swedish star.
Jermaine Pennant feels Arsenal should make another attempt to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa after they saw a bid rejected back in January.
‘I think they should go back into the market for Ollie Watkins,’ Pennant told aceodds.com. ‘I think he would be great.
‘He’s got an eye for goal, he’s got pace, he’s an international and I think he would work well in [Mikel] Arteta’s system.
‘He can link up play. He’s got it all, to be fair to him, and it’ll be cut-price compared to Isak.
‘Watkins is a proven Premier League player, so he’s a better bet than someone like Gyokeres. We’ve seen Darwin Nunez light it up in Portugal and struggle in England.’
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