For a while it appeared as if Benjamin Sesko would be Arsenal’s new number nine this summer, a young profile ready to improve under Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal reportedly sent a bid to RB Leipzig to get the ball rolling, keen to sign Sesko before Euro 2024 began.
However, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, that will no longer be the case.
Recently sharing an update on X, Romano reported that Sesko had decided to stay at Leipzig, signing a new contract on improved terms.
It was always a possibility for the 21-year-old, and he’s now decided to follow a similar career path to Erling Haaland, who didn’t leave Borussia Dortmund too soon.
But where does that leave Arsenal?
Sesko was thought to be the club’s number one target, at least he was when a move for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak was ruled out.
But with Isak and now Sesko unavailable, Arsenal will need to swiftly find an alternative.
And although Ajax’s Brian Brobbey or Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee could be options, perhaps it’s time for the club to think bigger.
Arsenal must activate Victor Osimhen’s release clause after Benjamin Sesko snub
If Arsenal are to bridge the gap to Manchester City next season, they need to add players who will improve the club’s starting eleven.
Yes, the likes of Zirkzee and Brobbey would give Arsenal added depth, but signing Victor Osimhen would change everything.
A statement signing, a player who could be as impactful as Declan Rice in north London.
Arsenal are thought to be reluctant to pay Osimhen’s release clause despite their interest.
But in a summer in which the club could sell Emile Smith Rowe, Aaron Ramsdale and Eddie Nketiah – should his £110m price tag be beyond Arsenal?
At 25-years-old, Osimhen would retain his value, and would no doubt prove his worth immediately on the pitch.
Arsenal won’t want to compromise themselves from a PSR perspective, but Osimhen could help lift Arsenal to trophy wins.
Kai Havertz definitely still deserves his chance as a false nine, but there’s no reason why Arteta couldn’t incorporate the duo into the same team.
Signing Osimhen would be a huge sign of ambition from Arsenal, the kind of finisher they’ve been missing for so long.
All that being said, Arsenal are said to be open to a player sale who could help fund Osimhen’s arrival.