Manchester United and Arsenal are both seeking a top-tier striker. Although they have talented forwards such as Marcus Rashford, Gabriel Jesus, Joshua Zirkzee, and Kai Havertz, none have consistently achieved the impressive mark of 30 goals per season.
The Red Devils are eager to secure a striker who can reach that elite level, but Arsenal currently has the upper hand in attracting top talent.
**Manchester United’s Pursuit of Benjamin Sesko**
As reported by Give Me Sport, Manchester United is targeting Benjamin Sesko, the Slovenian forward who netted 18 goals in 42 matches last season for RB Leipzig. The recruitment team at United is reportedly impressed by the 21-year-old, with some of his teammates even suggesting he is “better” than Erling Haaland.
Despite Manchester United’s interest, Sesko reportedly prefers Arsenal. He was close to joining the Gunners last summer had he chosen to leave Leipzig, as they were his preferred option. It’s indicated that he is likely to exit the Bundesliga in summer 2025, so United has work ahead if they want to persuade him to choose Old Trafford over North London.
**Arsenal’s Missed Opportunity Last Summer**
Arsenal had the chance to acquire Sesko in the previous transfer window for £55 million due to a release clause in his contract. However, that clause has since lapsed, and Sesko’s market value has surged to £96.3 million, according to the CIES Football Observatory.
While this figure does not reflect Leipzig’s official asking price, it highlights the rapid increase in Sesko’s value following a standout 2024 season.
**Potential Departure of Gabriel Jesus**
During the summer, there were speculations that Arsenal might sell Gabriel Jesus for the right offer. Ultimately, he remained at the Emirates, while Eddie Nketiah transferred to Crystal Palace. However, Arsenal continues to be linked with Sesko. If a deal materializes in 2025, it is believed that Jesus would be sold to accommodate the Slovenian talent.
This season, Jesus has encountered further injury issues and has not yet started a Premier League match, making a departure from North London in 2025 increasingly likely.