Benjamin Sesko has already shown true colours as Man Utd and Arsenal consider bids

RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko has reportedly turned down a big-money bid from Saudi Arabia as he priorities a move to an elite club over money. The 21-year-old striker is being pursued by a string of Premier League clubs, having scored 18 times for his Bundesliga club last season.

Sesko is currently contracted to Leipzig until 2028, which contains a £56million release clause.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Saudi Pro League have not only been prepared to match that, but have also offered a £25.5m net salary which has failed to turn his head.

Instead, Sesko appears keen to propel his career at an elite European club. Both Manchester United and Arsenal have been linked with a move, with the Slovenian international thought to favour a move to north London.

Chelsea are also said to be lining up a bid, but the forward is unlikely to finalise a move before the end of Euro 2024. The English summer transfer window does not open until June 14, by which time Sesko will be in Germany with his international side.

He was Slovenia’s top scorer in the qualifiers, netting five goals from nine appearances. It helped his country qualify for a first major international tournament in 24 years.

Should he enjoy a good tournament the clamour for his signature is only likely to heighten. And it’s Edu and co who appear in pole position, amid the perception Arsenal still lack a prolific striker if they are to usurp Manchester City in the Premier League title race next season.

United’s movements may depend on developments with Marcus Rashford. The striker has been linked with a move to PSG, following a campaign where he struggled for form and was criticised for an apparent lack of work rate.

Sesko is yet to publicly express his preference, but his reluctance to head to Saudi seemingly underlines his ambition. The 2023/24 campaign was his first at Leipzig, after previously spending three years with sister club Red Bull Salzburg in Austria

There, he struck 29 times in 79 club games. And he won three Austrian Bundesliga titles with the club before heading to Germany for a £20.4m fee, and duly signed a five year deal.

Leipzig finished fourth in the German top flight last season, ensuring qualification for the newly expanded Champions League. And Sesko scored twice in the group stages as his side made the last-16, losing to eventual winners Real Madrid.