Transfer Centre

Arsenal 'make Victor Osimhen decision' after Benjamin Sesko blow

By Carter White | 18 June 2024

Arsenal 'make Osimhen decision' after Benjamin Sesko blow

Arsenal are reportedly unlikely to make a move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, despite the Gunners missing out on RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko earlier this month.

Arsenal have reportedly decided to cool their interest in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen despite missing out on RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko.

The 21-year-old Slovenian has recently put pen to paper on a new deal at the Bundesliga outfit, meaning that a move to the Premier League this summer is off the cards.

Sesko's fresh terms at Leipzig Arena will cause the Gunners into a rethink of their transfer strategy, especially surrounding their attacking options.

The former RB Salzburg man had captured the interest of many top sides across Europe after an impressive season for Leipzig, scoring 14 goals in 31 Bundesliga appearances.

As the main man for his nation, Sesko started Slovenia's opening game of Euro 2024 on Sunday afternoon, when Erik Janza netted a late equaliser to force Denmark to settle for a share of the points in Group C.

Benjamin Sesko in action for Slovenia on October 17, 2023 © Reuters

Arsenal 'unlikely' to move for Napoli star Osimhen

According to football.london, Arsenal have made a key decision concerning their widely-documented pursuit of Napoli's Osimhen during this summer's transfer window.

The report claims that a move for the Nigeria international is unlikely at this stage, with the striker preparing for his fifth straight season in Serie A.

It is understood that an initial bid for Osimhen from the Gunners is not currently on the cards, with the North Londoners looking to avoid any 'rash decisions' in the market for players.

With a move for Leipzig's Sesko now out of the question, there is said to be a lack of standout striking options for the Gunners as they strive to significantly improve their attacking line.

Therefore, it is stated that Mikel Arteta's side could priortise the signing of a new right winger, providing much-needed depth behind first-choice option Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring their first goal on May 4, 2024 © Reuters

Arsenal's transfer strategy

Unlike last summer, when they splashed out £200m on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, Arsenal are not said to be targeting big-money signings this time around.

It is more likely that sales will be needed to facilitate incomings ahead of the 2024-25 term, with three players earmarked as potential men to depart the Emirates.

Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson have all struggled to cement a spot in Arteta's preferred XI in recent times and the Gunners are open to offloading the trio, looking to pocket at least £80m overall.

Arsenal fans will be hoping that Sesko is unable to show them what they have missed out on when Slovenia play Serbia in their next match of Euro 2024 on Thursday afternoon.