Manchester United Target £96.3m Striker as Arsenal Emerges as the Frontrunner

Manchester United and Arsenal are both seeking a world-class striker. Although they have talented forwards like Marcus Rashford, Gabriel Jesus, Joshua Zirkzee, and Kai Havertz, none have consistently achieved the elite milestone of 30 goals per season.

The Red Devils are eager to sign a striker nearing that elite level, but Arsenal currently has the upper hand in securing top talent.

### Manchester United’s Interest in Benjamin Sesko

According to a report from Give Me Sport, Manchester United is interested in Benjamin Sesko, the Slovenian international who netted 18 goals in 42 appearances last season for RB Leipzig. United’s recruitment team admires the 21-year-old forward, with some teammates even claiming he is “better” than Erling Haaland.

Despite Manchester United’s interest, Sesko reportedly prefers Arsenal as his destination. He would have joined the Gunners in the summer if he had chosen to leave Leipzig, as they were his top choice. Give Me Sport also indicates that Sesko is expected to exit the Bundesliga in the summer of 2025, which means United must work hard to persuade him to choose Old Trafford over North London.

### Arsenal’s Summer Deal That Didn’t Materialize

It’s notable that Arsenal had the chance to sign Sesko during the last transfer window for £55 million, thanks to a release clause in his contract. However, that clause has now expired, and Sesko’s market value has surged to £96.3 million, according to the CIES Football Observatory.

While this valuation isn’t Leipzig’s confirmed asking price, it reflects Sesko’s rapid rise in market worth following a strong 2024 season.

### Arsenal Could Offload Gabriel Jesus to Make Room

During the summer, there were speculations that Arsenal might sell Gabriel Jesus if an appropriate offer came in. Although the Brazilian striker remained at the Emirates — with Eddie Nketiah moving to Crystal Palace instead — Arsenal is still heavily linked with Sesko. Should a deal materialize in 2025, it’s believed that Jesus would be sold to accommodate the Slovenian talent.

Given that Jesus has encountered several injury issues this season and has yet to start a Premier League match, a potential departure from North London in 2025 seems increasingly likely.