Bundesliga star considered chance to join Arsenal last summer, move didn't materialize as he wasn't guaranteed regular playing time: Reports

Benjamin Sesko was willing to join Arsenal this summer, according to journalist Sami Mokbel. However, the move failed to materialize because the Gunners couldn't guarantee him regular game time.

Sesko caught the imagination of the north London side following an impressive 2023-24 campaign. The Slovenian striker registered 18 goals and two assists from 42 games across competitions for RB Leipzig.

Arsenal, meanwhile, lost out on the Premier League title on the final day of the campaign, finishing two points behind champions Manchester City. Mikel Arteta wanted to bring in a new striker over the summer to complete his attack and had his eyes on Sesko.

The 21-year-old was open to a move to the Emirates but wanted assurances over his playing time. However, the Gunners reportedly told him that he was not guaranteed a place in the starting XI ahead of Kai Havertz.

Sesko ended up staying at the Red Bull Arena and signed a new deal with the Bundesliga side until 2029. The Slovenian has scored seven goals and set up three more from 14 games this season.

The north London side, meanwhile, have struggled of late, losing three of their last six games across competitions. Arsenal are currently fifth in the Premier League table after 10 games, seven points behind leaders Liverpool.

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How many goals have Arsenal scored this season?

Benjamin Sesko

Arsenal have scored 17 goals from 10 games in the league this season and eight goals in two games in the EFL Cup. However, the Gunners have found the back of the net just three times in four games in the UEFA Champions League.

The north London side are currently 12th in the Champions League table after four games and perhaps could have done with a proven No. 9 in their ranks. Kai Havertz is their top scorer this season, with seven goals from 16 games across competitions.

Bukayo Saka, meanwhile, has found the back of the net four times in 14 games so far. However, Gabriel Jesus has been a disappointment, managing just one goal in 14 games.

The Brazilian is no longer a first-team regular for Arsenal and the club could be tempted to cash in on him at the end of this season. Should Jesus leave, the Gunners are likely to invest in a new striker. Interestingly, recent reports have suggested that Benjamin Sesko has a gentleman's agreement to leave RB Leipzig next summer for a proper fee.