Man Utd left red-faced by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after Benjamin Sesko 'says yes' to Arsenal

Manchester United has been left red-faced as one of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s top targets appears to be on the verge of a move to Arsenal. RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko is one of the most exciting strikers in world football, having racked up an impressive portfolio of goals in the Bundesliga. 

As well as Mikel Arteta’s side, the Slovenian, who is understood to be valued at around £45million, has also been heavily linked to Chelsea. However, one of the first managers to identify the tall, but pacey, centre-forward was Solskjaer, when he was still at the helm at Old Trafford.

At the time, Sesko was a raw, but promising, forward who was already turning heads at RB Salzburg in Austria. He appeared to do enough to convince Solskjaer, who was convinced a move for the teenager would be worth the risk. Unfortunately for the Norwegian, the hierarachy at United did not fancy him. 

According to the Athletic, the United board poured cold water over Solskjaer’s wish and vetoed a possible move for Sesko. At the time, the forward could have been theirs for a bargain £2.5m.

This figure, which is an eighteenth of the price he is available for today, was deemed to be too much for the teenager. To make matters even worse, United expressed an interest in the forward again the following year when Erik ten Hag first joined the club.

They had allowed Edinson Cavani to depart the and Cristiano Ronaldo’s future was uncertain, having already showed signs of clashing with Ten Hag. Fast forward to the present day, various reports claim Sesko’s most likely destination come the start of the season will be north London.

It’s understood Sesko has selected Arsenal as his next destination out of Chelsea and United. Mikel Arteta’s side appear to be in the market for a new striker having played last season with Kai Havertz operating as a ‘false nine’.

Sesko’s agent Elvis Basanovic has also been seen at Arsenal matches the season. Leipzig are expected to sell the forward this season if someone is able to stump up the purported £45m that would be enough to convince them to part ways.

England fans will get an extra look at the centra forward in the summer, as he will, most likely, be the one leading the line for Slovenia at Euro 2024. Standing at a whopping 6ft 5in, he will be difficult to miss and difficult to handle for Gareth Southgate’s side.

Arsenal have also been linked with Ajax forward Brian Bobbey, Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, Brentford striker Ivan Toney and Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson. In all competitions, Sesko helped himself to 18 goals and two assists over the course of 42 appearances in all competitions.

He also boasts an impressive goalscoring record for his country of 11 goals in 28 appearances. His Slovenia side will face England on June 25 in what will be both country’s final match in Group C.