By SIMON JONES and SAM BROOKES
Published: 19:25 EDT, 10 June 2025 | Updated: 19:25 EDT, 10 June 2025
Al-Hilal have made an enquiry about RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko but were informed his preference is to join Arsenal.
Sesko has emerged as Arsenal's No 1 transfer target as Mikel Arteta looks to add more firepower to his attack.
But their chances of landing the 22-year-old appeared to have taken a hit after Al-Hilal made an approach for the Bundesliga star ahead of the Club World Cup.
However, Sesko intends to stay in Europe for now, and has his sights set on a switch to the Emirates instead.
Sesko has scored 39 goals in 87 games for Leipzig since joining the German club two years ago.
His goalscoring exploits have caught the eye of some of Europe's top teams, including Arsenal.
Benjamin Sesko has told Saudi side Al-Hilal that he would prefer a move to Arsenal
Sesko's transfer decision is a major boost for Mikel Arteta's team
Al-Hilal are also interested in signing Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez this summer
Leipzig only finished seventh in the Bundesliga in 2024-25 and will not be able to offer their star striker Champions League football next season, while the Gunners will be playing in Europe's elite club competition.
Al-Hilal now look set to miss out on Sesko, but have also sounded out Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez.
The Anfield club value the Uruguay international in excess of £70m, which was the figure Al-Nassr were prepared to offer earlier in the year.
Nunez scored just five goals in 30 appearances during Liverpool's title-winning campaign, and could push for a fresh start elsewhere this summer.
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