Why Benjamin Sesko rejected Arsenal in the summer as Mikel Arteta targets RB Leipzig striker again
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After learning the extent of Gabriel Jesus' knee injury, Arsenal are seemingly stepping up their attempts to sign a new striker this month.
It was evident once again against Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby that Arsenal have an issue finishing their chances in front of goal.
Kai Havertz played well but wasn't able to bury the opportunities that came his way, and it was a similar story for Martin Odegaard too.
Mikel Arteta needs a little bit of help in front of goal this month, but the club are also mindful of not compromising their long term plans with a reactive January deal.
That being said, Arsenal are still interested in Benjamin Sesko, who they tried to sign from RB Leipzig last summer.
Sesko is on Arsenal's shortlist, and the club may even attempt to bring forward any plans to sign the Serbia international in the summer to January, if that's even possible.
Benjamin Sesko explains why he rejected a move to Arsenal
That being said, Sesko did turn down a move to Arsenal in the summer, and when speaking in an interview with Nogomania, he explained why.
Sesko ultimately decided that he wanted to stay put in the Bundesliga with Leipzig, where he could continue to make steady progress rather than perhaps taking a risk and joining Arsenal in the Premier League.
READ MORE: David Ornstein shares what he's been told about Arsenal signing Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus
Perhaps Arteta and Arsenal's transfer team will hope that Sesko's mind has now changed, should they plan to launch a move for the striker.
Speaking in July last year, Sesko explained why he rejected Arsenal: "I thought it through very well. I believe I made the right decision. I wanted to gain more experience, learn more, and not rush things.
"Leipzig is an excellent club that can provide what I need for the next step. Leipzig's vision is clear; everything is geared towards growth, progress, and high goals. I felt it was right to decide this way."
Asked about how the rumours affected him, Sesko continued: "I can't deny such things don't get into your subconscious, it's probably quite normal, human.
"Still, I remained calm despite everything. I got through that turbulent period and approached the Euros fully focused."
Jurgen Klopp could ruin Arsenal’s plans to buy Benjamin Sesko
So far this season, 21-year-old Sesko has scored 13 goals in 25 games for Leipzig in all competitions, a striker who continues to prove his world-class potential.
Sesko recently scored an absolute screamer against Werder Bremen in the league, a goal which was watched by Jurgen Klopp, who is now overseeing things at Leipzig.
Klopp could stop Arsenal signing Sesko in theory, perhaps having one last laugh against one of his old rivals.
But either way, it's clear that a move for Sesko makes so much sense for the Gunners, who would be in an excellent position were they able to bring any move forward from next summer.
Arsenal need some goalscoring power in front of goal, and Sesko has plenty.
