Benjamin Sesko is once again at the top of Arsenal's Transfer Wishlist – but if things had worked out differently he could have been for Manchester United.
That's because the Slovenian striker was one of a number of players recommended to the club by Ralf Rangnick during the former interim manager's ill-fated stint at Old Trafford.
Rangnick, who has since made the Austrian national team, stated that United were in need of “open heart surgery” before his move in 2022. And with plenty of work to do on renovating a beleaguered squad, Sesko was among the names Rangnick would find to be a no-brainer for the club to pursue.
Although he did not name Sesko at the time, he outlined that the players he recommended would appeal to an elite club like United regardless of the circumstances.
He explained: “There may be some players – and I have already mentioned those players to the board – who, regardless of the formation, of the style of football, and independently of a new manager, who could be interesting for a club like United .”
Unfortunately, United did not follow Rangnick's recommendation and Sesko eventually rejoined RB Leipzig for £55 million in the summer of 2023, although the deal was announced 12 months earlier.
And the 21-year-old is now firmly in the sights of Arsenal, who are keen to bring him to the Emirates this month if a deal with his club can be completed.
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 value 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 pass the ball if Leipzig are willing to play ball.
Mikel Arteta confirmed he was in constant contact with the Arsenal hierarchy regarding the window earlier this week, saying: “We are obviously in constant contact – understanding the situation, how the team is evolving. Obviously some of the big news that we had unfortunately, they weren't so positive. How we feel about it, they've been super supportive and they continue to be that way. “
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