Arsenal and Chelsea face disappointment as Benjamin Sesko has chosen to extend his contract with RB Leipzig, effectively ending any hopes of securing the Slovenian striker’s signature this summer.
Both Premier League clubs had been poised to activate Sesko’s €65m (£55m) release clause, having targeted him for several months. Manchester United and Tottenham had also shown interest in the 21-year-old, who impressed with 18 goals across all competitions for Leipzig last season, including a remarkable streak of goals in seven consecutive Bundesliga matches towards the end of the campaign.
Reports suggest strong interest in Thomas Partey from Saudi Arabia, while Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe, and Reiss Nelson are also available for transfer.
With Sesko’s representatives eager to finalize his future before the start of the Euros, where Slovenia will face England on 25 June, the striker is reported to have agreed to a new contract with improved terms following discussions this week. This deal is believed to include a gentleman’s agreement regarding a potential future transfer, reminiscent of Erling Haaland’s contract extension with Borussia Dortmund in 2021, which paved the way for his eventual move to Manchester City for £51m.
In light of Sesko’s decision, Arsenal may revisit their interest in signing Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, although the 23-year-old Dutch forward is also attracting attention from Milan. Zirkzee, who has a €40m release clause, contributed 11 goals to Bologna’s qualification for next season’s Champions League.
Interest from Arsenal in Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Sporting’s Viktor Gyökeres, both Swedish strikers, has waned due to the significant transfer fees involved, while a potential move for Brentford’s Ivan Toney appears unlikely at this stage. Mikel Arteta is also keen on reinforcements in the form of a left-back, central midfielder, and winger, but any new arrivals are expected to be offset by player sales.
