- Via Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Arsenal have suffered a major transfer blow this summer with one of their key targets set to reject the club.
A new striker is understood to be high on the list of priorities for the Gunners in the summer and RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has been the name linked the most with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
The Slovenian has excelled since moving to Germany and the 21-year-old was understood to have made it clear that Arsenal was his preference were he to move this summer.
However, the Gunners have suffered a major blow with HITC understanding that the Slovenian is set to commit his future to Leipzig this summer.
Sesko set to extend contract
HITC sources understands that both Arsenal and Chelsea were told on Monday evening that the Slovenian star intends to sign an extension to his contract at RB Leipzig.
Sesko is loyal to the RB organisation and his people feel his immediate future is best served with them. He will be rewarded with a new long-term deal including a major pay rise.
This will come as a huge blow for the North London club with Sesko understood to be the Gunners’ preferred target this summer.
Chelsea were doing their best to convince the Slovenian that a move to West London would be best for his career but the striker is set to remain in Germany.
Sesko’s release clause
Despite Sesko being on the verge of signing a new contract with the German club, sources believe that the new contract the forward is set to sign will contain a release clause that will become active in 2025.
Arsenal and Chelsea insist that Sesko was just one of a number of options they were considering this summer.
Manchester United were also keeping abreast of the situation but were nowhere near as advanced as their two London rivals.
The Red Devils have still yet to make a decision on Erik ten Hag’s future and HITC have reported that this uncertainty has affected signings with Tosin Adarabioyo opting for a move to Chelsea over Old Trafford.
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