Mikel Arteta is keen to add to his attacking option over the summer transfer window with Red Bull Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko emerging as a target.
Arsenal are seemingly leading the race for his signature with reports claiming that the forward would prefer a move to the Emirates Stadium ahead of Manchester United.
Here’s a look at how United’s interest in the strong Arsenal target has unfolded over the last two years.
Transfer meetingIn July 2022, the Manchester Evening News reported that then Manchester United football director John Murtough had met with Sesko’s agent to discuss the possibility of a transfer.
His comments came after rumours surrounding United’s interest in Sesko emerged after his agent was spotted at the clash between United and Arsenal at Old Trafford .
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Arsenal could be about to deliver a transfer hammer blow to Manchester United with the club potentially ending a two-year transfer pursuit by the Red Devils.
Mikel Arteta is keen to add to his attacking option over the summer transfer window with Red Bull Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko emerging as a target. Arsenal are seemingly leading the race for his signature with reports claiming that the forward would prefer a move to the Emirates Stadium ahead of Manchester United.
It has also been claimed that Sesko is Arteta’s number one attacking target this summer. football.london understands that Arsenal are hoping that they can negotiate the player’s reported £45 million release clause .
Their interest follows a chase by United that goes back to the summer of 2022. Here’s a look at how United’s interest in the strong Arsenal target has unfolded over the last two years.
Transfer meeting
In July 2022, the Manchester Evening News reported that then Manchester United football director John Murtough had met with Sesko’s agent to discuss the possibility of a transfer. At the time, Sesko was just 19 years old and was playing for Red Bull Salzburg.
United transfer admission
Over a year later, in September 2023, just one month after joining Red Bull Leipzig for a fee of around £20 million, Sesko spoke about United’s interest in him. He admitted that he thought a move to Germany was better for his development.
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“The thing is, I wasn’t really involved in these kinds of conversations,” the Slovenian told Transfermarkt when quizzed on United’s interest. "But I think it was better to come here.
"It was very important for me to go to a place that plays a similar style of football. I already knew what I had to do and didn’t have to go through a whole learning process again.
"It would be nice to play there (the Premier League). But for now, let’s focus on the now and then we’ll see.”
Just a few weeks earlier he had c ongratulated former teammate Rasmus Hojlund on his move to United.
Agent makes transfer admission
Fast forward to May this year, and the player’s agent Elvis Basanovic gave an update on his client’s future. His comments came after rumours surrounding United’s interest in Sesko emerged after his agent was spotted at the clash between United and Arsenal at Old Trafford . "I can say that there is interest in Benjamin, both from the Premier League and from Italy," Basanovic told Slovenian publication Sportklub. "But out of respect, I can't talk about the names of the clubs.
"We are talking about top clubs. But you have to realise that Benjamin is at a top club right now. Very few people realise how big a club Leipzig is. The next few weeks will certainly be eventful.
"It is my duty to listen to offers. We have to work on giving Benjamin more opportunities at the end of the season. But it's his decision. We will propose what is best for his long-term development."
