Arsenal could now swiftly move onto another striker after Benjamin Sesko decided to stay at RB Leipzig.
The Slovenia international was said to be right at the very top of Mikel Arteta and Edu‘s shortlist this summer, although the RB Leipzig No.30 has now opted to sign a new contract with the German outfit.
As a result, Arsenal could now trigger another striker’s release clause…
Arsenal could turn to Joshua Zirkzee
A story from the Guardian reveals that Arsenal could now focus on Bologna No.9 Joshua Zirkzee after Sesko decided to stay at RB Leipzig.
It is said that the Netherlands U21 international has a £34m release clause written into his contract with the Serie A side – although Arsenal face strong competition from AC Milan.
Zirkzee enjoyed a superb 2023/24 campaign under Thiago Motta at Bologna, helping the Italian outfit qualify for the UEFA Champions League with 11 goals and five assists in 34 Serie A appearances.
If the Gunners did move to trigger the Dutchman’s £34m release clause, it would mean Arteta has more money to spend on other positions, as the Guardian believe Arsenal were ready to spend £55m on activating Sesko’s release clause.
Time is of the essence for Mikel Arteta and Edu
If Arsenal really are planning to trigger Zirkzee’s release clause, Edu needs to move quickly.
Not only are AC Milan pushing to sign the 23-year-old, but Vincent Kompany is also believed to be keen on signing the man from Schiedam this summer after replacing Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich.
That is potentially costly for Arsenal, as the Belgian tactician used to coach Zirkzee – who has been compared to Dennis Bergkamp – during his time at Anderlecht, and holds a strong relationship with the Bologna marksman.
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Therefore – after Sesko made his intentions clear – Arsenal must decide whether to push ahead with a move for the Dutch striker, or target a different forward.