BREAKING NEWS: DEAL DONE! Benjamin Sesko has joined Arsenal, concluding months of speculation and outmaneuvering Manchester United for his signature. His addition is a significant boost for Mikel Arteta’s team in their pursuit of Premier League success.

Manchester United and Arsenal are both in the market for a top-quality striker, despite already having several talented forwards. For Manchester United, players like Marcus Rashford and Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus, Joshua Zirkzee, and Kai Havertz have shown flashes of brilliance but haven’t consistently hit the coveted milestone of 30 goals per season. This has left both clubs searching for a forward who can deliver such high numbers regularly.

Manchester United is particularly interested in Benjamin Sesko, a Slovenian striker currently playing for RB Leipzig. Sesko scored 18 goals in 42 appearances last season, catching the eye of United’s recruitment team.

Some of his teammates even claim he has the potential to surpass Erling Haaland, which has only heightened United’s interest. However, they face stiff competition from Arsenal, a club that has reportedly been Sesko’s preferred destination.

Had he left Leipzig in the previous summer, Arsenal would have likely secured his signature. Sesko is expected to leave the Bundesliga in 2025, meaning Manchester United will need to put in significant effort to convince him to choose Old Trafford over Arsenal.

Arsenal had the opportunity to sign Sesko during the last transfer window for £55 million due to a release clause in his contract. However, they missed out, and since then, Sesko’s value has soared.

According to the CIES Football Observatory, his current market value stands at £96.3 million, a testament to his outstanding performances in 2024. Although this isn’t necessarily RB Leipzig’s asking price, it underscores the striker’s rising stock.

In terms of squad changes, Arsenal might consider parting ways with Gabriel Jesus if they manage to sign Sesko. There were rumors during the summer that Jesus could be sold for the right price, though he stayed at Arsenal while Eddie Nketiah was transferred to Crystal Palace. With Jesus continuing to struggle with injuries and yet to start a Premier League match this season, it seems increasingly likely that Arsenal may let him go in 2025 to make room for Sesko.