Benjamin Sesko is once again at the top of Arsenal's transfer wishlist - but had things worked out differently, he could have been turning out for Manchester United.
That's because the Slovenian striker was one of a number of players who was recommended to the club by Ralf Rangnick during the former interim manager's ill-fated stint at Old Trafford.
Rangnick, who has since gone on to manage the Austria national team, declared that United were in need of "open-heart surgery" before being moved on in 2022. And with plenty of work to be done on renovating a beleaguered squad, Sesko was among the names Rangnick felt would be a no-brainer for the club to pursue.
While he didn't name Sesko at the time, he did outline that the players he'd recommended would appeal to an elite club like United whatever the circumstances.
He explained: "There might be a couple of players - and I have already named those players to the board - that independent from formation, from style of football, and independent from a new manager, that could be of interest for a club like United."
Unfortunately, United didn't follow up on Rangnick's recommendation and Sesko ended up joining RB Leipzig for £55million back in the summer of 2023, though the deal was announced 12 months earlier.
And the 21-year-old is now firmly in the sights of Arsenal, who would love to bring him to The Emirates THIS month if a deal can be done with his club.
Sesko has been in good form for Leipzig this season, plundering 14 goals in 26 appearances. He was expected to be approached by Arsenal in the summer, only for the striker to pen a new deal with the Bundesliga outfit.
Mirror Football outlined on Wednesday that Arsenal are ready to spend big this month IF they feel they can land a top target. And with a new No.9 on their agenda, Sesko would certainly fit the ball if Leipzig are willing to play ball.
Mikel Arteta confirmed he was in constant contact with the Arsenal hierarchy with regards to the window earlier this week, saying: “We are in constant contact, obviously - understanding the situation, how the team is evolving. Obviously, some of the big news that we had, unfortunately, they weren’t that positive. How we’re feeling about it, they’ve been super supportive and they continue to be so.”
Vizcdeklns
1
There are only three centre fowards in the world right now that would truly improve Arsenal..only three,maybe four f we add Osimhen to Isak,Sesko and Gyokeres....The Cunha's of this world are just another version of Gabriel Jesus,,always performing in fits and starts...
pewablorst
1
they just wasting time sing him not what you are saying we're now tired of waiting
Ripailnpsz
0
Don't understand why Arsenal is always chasing midfielders when the problem is the goals.Only a world class striker will make Arsenal champions.
is Sesko a midfielder?motherfucker
juuciknp
1
The truth remains that Arsenal will not buy any major player till the Summer
foabdeprty
0
Don't understand why Arsenal is always chasing midfielders when the problem is the goals.Only a world class striker will make Arsenal champions.
which champion?
batkmntu
2
Don't understand why Arsenal is always chasing midfielders when the problem is the goals.Only a world class striker will make Arsenal champions.
chuka1b
0
man city did their's silently and here we are disturbing the whole neighbourhood
Naoadlmou
0
Arsenal are wasting time making noise singing about Sesko Sesko Sesko, just bring him to Emirates immediately before the widow is shut down
olalekanfaji
0
y is it that wen arsenal goes to d market . everyone is aware but when others go. nobody is aware or feel concerned ...yyyyyyyyyy
sirbodmas
2
Arsenal wasting time on buying players will only make the price of such players to continue to be on the rise
Jodikmopz
1
just make it happen