Arsenal transfer news: Bundesliga striker gives green light to summer move

After just one year in German football following his departure from Red Bull Salzburg, the 20-year-old has quickly become one of the most in-demand strikers on the continent.

Sesko initially struggled for consistency in the Bundesliga, but he ended his debut Roten Bullen season with 18 goals from 42 games in all competitions and hit a rich vein of form in the closing stages of the campaign.

The 2003-born attacker struck in each of Leipzig's last seven games in the top-flight season and also came up with seven contributions during Slovenia's successful Euro 2024 qualification bid, five of his own and two assists.

Sesko headlines the Slovenia squad for this summer's Championships, where his nation will face England, Serbia and Denmark in the group stage, and strong displays in Germany could see his stock rise even higher.

Sesko 'approves Arsenal move'

All of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are said to be battling for Sesko's signature this summer, and the Slovenia international has turned down a move to Saudi Arabia to continue chasing titles in Europe.

However, The Mirror claims that Sesko has now made one decision relating to his future, as the Leipzig man supposedly favours a summer move to Arsenal over Chelsea, Man United or other interested parties from Italy.

While Die Roten Bullen have Sesko under contract until the summer of 2028, the German side would supposedly be happy to let him leave for the right price in the upcoming transfer window, and a fee of £45m could do the trick.

The 20-year-old's agent Elvis Basanovic was reportedly spotted at Arsenal matches throughout the 2023-24 term, during which the Gunners were extensively scouting the Slovenian.

Sesko has moved to the top of the shortlist above Ivan Toney and Alexander Isak - both of whom are no longer in Arsenal's plans - but Ajax's Brian Brobbey and Brighton & Hove Albion's Evan Ferguson are alternative options.

Where could Sesko fit in at Arsenal?

A towering presence at 6ft 5in tall, Sesko boasts the typical target man profile for a centre-forward, although Kai Havertz transitioned into that role to good effect for Arsenal in the second half of the season.

As a result, Sesko may have to accept a rotational role up top with Havertz - which could reignite the fire surrounding Gabriel Jesus's future - unless Mikel Arteta makes an unexpected switch to a two-man strikeforce.

Alternatively, Havertz could revert to a midfield position if Arteta deems Sesko ready for frequent starts in the Gunners XI, but given the German's struggles in a deeper role, such a scenario is unrealistic.

While Sesko has played almost exclusively as a number nine during the earliest stages of his career, the 20-year-old is not a total stranger to the left wing, where Jesus, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli are all capable of featuring.

Arsenal are expected to pursue a new winger separately, though, so an intense battle with Havertz for the right to play as Arsenal's focal point awaits Sesko should the Gunners play their cards right with Leipzig.