Manchester United and Arsenal are both in the market for a high-caliber striker. Despite having capable forwards such as Marcus Rashford, Gabriel Jesus, Joshua Zirkzee, and Kai Havertz, none have consistently reached the coveted 30-goal-per-season benchmark.
The Red Devils are particularly keen on acquiring a striker who can perform at that elite level, but Arsenal currently holds an advantage in attracting top-tier talent.
**Manchester United’s Interest in Benjamin Sesko**
Recent reports from Give Me Sport reveal that Manchester United has set its sights on Benjamin Sesko, a Slovenian forward who scored 18 goals in 42 appearances for RB Leipzig last season. The recruitment team at United has been impressed with the 21-year-old, with some of his teammates even claiming he possesses abilities that may surpass those of Erling Haaland.
However, despite the interest from Manchester United, it appears that Sesko has a preference for Arsenal. He was on the verge of joining the Gunners last summer and considered them his favored option had he decided to leave Leipzig at that time. Indications suggest that he is likely to depart the Bundesliga in the summer of 2025, which means that United has some persuading to do if they want to lure him to Old Trafford instead of North London.
**Arsenal’s Missed Opportunity Last Summer**
Arsenal previously had the chance to sign Sesko during the last transfer window for £55 million due to a release clause in his contract. However, that clause has since expired, and Sesko’s market value has skyrocketed to £96.3 million, as reported by the CIES Football Observatory. While this figure may not reflect the official asking price from Leipzig, it underscores the rapid rise in Sesko’s worth following a stellar 2024 season.
Despite this increase in valuation, Arsenal remains interested in acquiring him. The situation surrounding Gabriel Jesus adds another layer to the pursuit. Although there were rumors of Arsenal considering a sale of Jesus for the right offer during the summer transfer window, he ultimately stayed with the team. Meanwhile, Eddie Nketiah made a move to Crystal Palace. Nonetheless, Arsenal continues to be linked with Sesko, and if a deal were to materialize in 2025, it is speculated that Jesus would be sold to make room for the Slovenian forward.
This season has been challenging for Jesus, who has faced injury problems and has not yet made a start in the Premier League. Given these circumstances, a departure from Arsenal in 2025 seems increasingly plausible as the club seeks to strengthen its attacking options. The ongoing interest in Sesko underscores both clubs’ urgent need to secure a prolific striker who can consistently contribute to their goal tally and help them achieve their ambitions.
