- 4 hours ago
Arsenal given Sesko opportunity as new price tag already set
Arsenal know exactly how much they will have to pay for Benjamin Sesko next summer, according to German media.
The Gunners viewed the RB Leipzig striker as a 'market opportunity' this summer. A high-potential young player tearing up the Bundesliga, Sesko was fitted with a €50 million release clause and this appealed to the Premier League giants.
The value of said clause eventually rose to €65m after his red-hot end to the season, but Arsenal still saw this as value for money. However, to the surprise of many, Sesko ultimately decided to stay put and sign a new Leipzig contract.
READ MORE: Man Utd sign Arsenal goalkeeper in surprise deal
It was a decision that genuinely shocked the north London club as they felt they had pitched their exciting project under Mikel Arteta perfectly. In the end, though, the striker thought that another season in the Bundesliga would be better for his development.
In the wake of this, and not helped by some fairly underwhelming Euro 2024 showings, speculation surrounding Sesko's future has gone quiet recently, but the 21-year-old will once again be in demand next summer.
Sesko's new price
With Arsenal having failed to sign any striker this summer, let alone their top targets like Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres, the Gunners will surely be in the market for a No.9 again in future windows.
Sesko, for his part, will be on the market again. RB Leipzig are always looking to rake in a certain amount of money from sales each summer and BILD reports that they have already earmarked their 'cash cows' for next year.
READ MORE: €100m striker admits he wants Arsenal move
Unsurprisingly, the Slovenian is among the players the Red Bulls believe are their most valuable assets. Indeed, Fabrizio Romano revealed after his extension that Sesko has a 'gentlemen's agreement' with Leipzig that allows him to leave if a big club comes calling.
BILD, however, reports that the striker actually has a formal release clause in his contract again and that it currently stands at €75m. Whether it is tied to his performances like the previous one is not known.
But what is known is that Sesko will once more be the subject of rampant speculation next summer and RB Leipzig won't stand in his way if a suitable offer arrives.