Arsenal are allegedly preparing to make an offer for Napoli attacker Victor Osimhen in the coming days, following Benjamin Sesko’s new contract with RB Leipzig.
The Gunners looked set to welcome Sesko to the Premier League this summer, but the Slovenia international said last week that he would stay in Germany.
And it appears to have taken Arsenal off guard, with Sesko signing a new contract with Leipzig, and taken Offside stated that the news came as a ‘almighty shock’ to the Gunners as they attempt to bring in a striker this summer.
According to ‘CaughtOffside’ insiders familiar with the matter, this has come as a huge surprise to the Gunners, who had almost convinced him personally before his final decision was made public.
‘Sesko had not told the Gunners of his decision in advance, and after rejecting certain attempts from Saudi Arabia a few weeks earlier, Arsenal plainly believed they were in pole position.
‘New negotiations between Arsenal and the player’s agency were planned for the coming days, but Sesko’s future, at least in the short term, has already been determined.’
Regarding his new deal, Sesko stated: “The early contract extension was thus the appropriate next move for me.
He went on to say, “I feel a lot of trust and appreciation within the club, which is important for me to perform to my maximum ability. With my goals, I was able to give back, especially in the second half of the season.
“We have a team with a lot of potential and a good combination of young and experienced players. I’m incredibly excited to take the next stages with this team.”
According to Italian journalist Ciro Venerato, Arsenal will launch a move for Napoli striker Osimhen, who could prove to be a costly acquisition.
Several clubs have expressed interest in Osimhen in recent years, but Napoli’s asking price for the Nigeria international has always been viewed as high.
Osimhen’s release clause is thought to be between €120 million and €130 million, but the Gunners will want to pay a “lower sum” when they make their move for the Napoli star “in the next few days”.
Several clubs have expressed interest in Osimhen in recent years, but Napoli’s asking price for the Nigeria international has always been viewed as high.
Osimhen’s release clause is thought to be between €120 million and €130 million, but the Gunners will want to pay a “lower sum” when they make their move for the Napoli star “in the next few days”.