Benjamin Sesko, the highly-touted RB Leipzig striker, finds himself at the heart of the latest transfer frenzy, with top-tier clubs like Manchester United and Newcastle United expressing significant interest in securing his services this month. This renewed pursuit comes after a period where Arsenal had also heavily scouted the Slovenian talent, ultimately choosing a different path in their own striker search.

For a considerable time, Sesko was firmly on Arsenal’s radar. The North London club had reportedly invested a full year into comprehensive background work on his development and progress at RB Leipzig, suggesting a deep-seated interest in integrating him into their squad. His profile seemed to align with their strategic needs for a potent attacking force.

Despite extensive groundwork, Arsenal ultimately decided against pursuing Sesko further, opting instead for Viktor Gyokeres. Reports indicate that “alarm bells” were triggered by several factors, including the hefty transfer fee demanded by Leipzig and the personal terms requested by the player, making the potential deal financially demanding.

A significant concern for Arsenal also revolved around the mental fortitude required to lead their attack. With only two seasons in a top-five European league, where he netted 21 goals across all competitions last season, the club’s sources expressed reservations about Sesko’s ability to withstand the intense scrutiny and pressure associated with being Arsenal’s primary striker.

In contrast, Viktor Gyokeres, despite not having established himself in a premier European domestic league, possessed an undeniable goal-scoring record of 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting CP. Crucially, Arsenal reportedly had unwavering confidence in his character and resilience, which ultimately swayed their decision to activate his release clause and bring him to the Emirates.

As the transfer window progresses, Sesko remains undecided about his next destination. Newcastle United’s recent bid was reportedly rejected, especially after the Magpies turned down a massive £110 million offer from Liverpool for Alexander Isak. Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim’s side are also intensely interested in the 22-year-old, though a formal offer is yet to be tabled.

Arsenal’s initial reasons for backing away from a deal for Benjamin Sesko could now serve as a cautionary tale for Manchester United. The Red Devils have a recent history of investing substantial sums in young strikers who subsequently struggle to live up to their price tags, raising concerns about a potential repeat scenario should they pursue Sesko.

The potential arrival of Sesko at Old Trafford casts a significant shadow over Rasmus Hojlund’s future. The Danish forward, a £72 million acquisition, has seen his value plummet due to a low scoring rate since joining United. Reports suggest the club is now willing to listen to offers for Hojlund, possibly for as little as £30 million, indicating a potential major shift in their attacking strategy.