Benjamin Sesko penned a deal with Manchester United this summer after Arsenal's failed pursuit last year, a rejection that led ex-Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou to make a humorous comment
Ange Postecoglou speaking on ITV
Ange Postecoglou had his say about Benjamin Sesko's failed Arsenal move last year
(Image: ITV)
Arsenal were unsuccessful in their bid to secure new Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko, with ex-Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou dubbing him "clever" for rejecting the Gunners last year.
Mikel Arteta's search for a No. 9 concluded this summer with the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP for £64million, but during this process, many targets came and went. Alongside Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, Sesko was strongly considered, but after being overlooked 12 months earlier, he was bypassed again in favour of Gyokeres, who also rejected interest from United.
The 22-year-old Sesko will now spearhead Ruben Amorim's attack for the forthcoming Premier League campaign. He became the subject of Postecoglou's Euros commentary last year when the then-Spurs manager was questioned about Sesko ahead of Slovenia's group stage encounter with England, offering an insightful perspective on his failed Arsenal transfer.
"I think a big club would have looked at him this year, and it's a smart move for him to stay there for another year," Postecoglou began whilst working as a pundit for ITV during Euro 2024.
"I think there's still some development in him, but really good attributes for a striker position, for sure," he added, discussing the forward who had recently signed fresh terms with RB Leipzig to ward off speculation.
Presenter Mark Pougatch then put a question to the Australian, asking: "Is that the Tottenham manager saying it's a smart move not to go to Arsenal?"
Ange Postecoglou making Ian Wright laugh on ITV's coverage of Belgium vs Romania
Postecoglou worked with the ITV punditry team at Euro 2024
A clever response was delivered by Postecoglou as he declared: "No comment." This prompted chuckles from everyone in the ITV studio, including Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane.
It was claimed last summer that the Gunners were prepared to trigger Sesko's £55m release clause, but enthusiasm soon waned after the striker signed his new contract, reports Football London.
Similar rumours emerged once more in January and this summer's transfer window, but with a higher valuation established, their chase quickly ended, and Gyokeres was secured instead.
The Red Devils moved swiftly to land themselves a forward, confirming the acquisition of Sesko in a package worth £74m on Saturday and presenting him to their supporters ahead of a pre-season clash with Fiorentina.
New Manchester United signing Benjamin Sesko applauds the fans prior to the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and ACF Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 9, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Sesko was presented to fans after signing a five-year deal with the Red Devils
Sesko was delighted when questioned about his decision to choose United over other potential destinations, including Arsenal and Newcastle United, who tabled a more generous offer for him this summer.
"The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future," declared Sesko. "When we discussed the project, it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon.
"From the moment that I arrived, I could feel the positive energy and family environment that the club has created. It is clearly the perfect place to reach my maximum level and fulfil all of my ambitions.
"I cannot wait to start learning from Ruben [Amorim] and connecting with my team-mates to achieve the success that we all know we are capable of together."