Revealed: Why Benjamin Sesko was 'reluctant' to sign for Arsenal during summer 2024 transfer window as Gunners continue to monitor £55m RB Leipzig striker

The highly-rated striker emerged as a target for Premier League heavyweights during the summer window of 2024. Mikel Arteta was eager to bring another goalscorer into his ranks alongside the likes of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

According to the Daily Mail, it is the presence of Germany international Havertz at Emirates Stadium that led Sesko to shun any interest from north London. The 21-year-old frontman has said to have had "concerns he would be second choice".

Sesko ended up signing a new contract with Leipzig, with there a buy-out clause within those terms that interested parties can trigger if they are prepared to part with £55 million ($71m). A number of clubs across Europe are said to be mulling over their options.

Arsenal are still among the interested parties, despite Sesko’s initial reluctance to head down that career path. He has registered a further seven goals this season, after hitting 18 in 2023-24, and the Slovenia international may yet end up in English football.