Arsenal’s pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has taken a dramatic twist, with Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal entering the race for the 22-year-old forward. According to Sky Sports, Al Hilal are looking to finalise a major signing in time for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, and Sesko has become their prime target after Victor Osimhen turned down a proposed move.
“Al-Hilal are hoping a deal for Benjamin Sesko happens today and if it does, it would be a huge statement signing ahead of the Club World Cup,” reported Sky Sports News journalist Mark McAdam. This unexpected development threatens to derail Arsenal’s long-standing interest in the Slovenian international.
Arsenal Approach Confirmed But Bid Still Pending
As recently as last week, it appeared Arsenal had moved decisively in the Sesko pursuit. “At the back end of last week, we said Arsenal had made a formal approach to RB Leipzig to explore the potential conditions of a deal for Benjamin Sesko,” McAdam added. Despite this proactive step, no official bid has yet materialised, leaving the door open for rival clubs to pounce.
Sesko has long been on the radar of top European clubs thanks to his physical presence, intelligent movement and aerial prowess. At just 22, he represents the sort of high-upside signing that Arsenal have increasingly targeted under Mikel Arteta’s stewardship. However, delays in formal negotiations may prove costly.
Pressure Mounts with Club World Cup Deadline
Timing is now a critical factor. “They need to make any signings for their Club World Cup squad before the 7pm deadline on Tuesday,” McAdam stated, highlighting the urgency driving Al Hilal’s pursuit. Should the Saudi club get the deal over the line before the window closes, Arsenal will have lost out on a key summer target before the transfer market fully kicks into gear.
The risk here is clear. While Arsenal are weighing up their options and presumably working on various fronts, Al Hilal are making a direct, time-sensitive push. Their aggressive transfer strategy, fuelled by vast financial resources, is becoming a recurring issue for European clubs trying to secure top-tier talent.
Zinchenko and Rodrygo Also Linked With Moves
Transfer uncertainty is not limited to incoming players. AC Milan are said to be interested in Arsenal’s Ukrainian full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko, according to Sky in Italy. While it’s unclear whether Arsenal would entertain offers, losing a versatile and experienced figure like Zinchenko would demand reinforcements at left-back.
Meanwhile, another Arsenal target, Rodrygo, remains committed to Real Madrid, at least in the short term. “Rodrygo will be part of the Real Madrid squad for the forthcoming Club World Cup, as things stand,” Sky Sports noted. This suggests Arsenal’s interest in the Brazilian might have to be shelved or reconsidered for a future window.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
As an Arsenal fan, this latest update is both frustrating and deeply worrying. Benjamin Sesko represented a logical and exciting choice to bolster our attacking line, especially with Gabriel Jesus battling inconsistency and fitness issues. Watching a club like Al Hilal swoop in at the eleventh hour highlights the growing threat of the Saudi league, not just to mid-table clubs, but to established top-six sides like Arsenal.
What stings most is that we were reportedly at the front of the queue, but still failed to act decisively. Why wait after making a formal approach? If you believe in the player, go in with a proper offer. Arsenal’s transfer team has done well in recent windows, but this hesitation feels like a step back.
Losing out on Rodrygo wouldn’t be a surprise — Real Madrid were never going to let him go easily. But if we start the season with the same attacking unit while our rivals strengthen, we’ll be asking ourselves whether we once again fell short through inaction.
And then there’s Zinchenko. It’s hard to believe we’d let him leave without a clear replacement in mind, but with Milan sniffing around, it’s one more subplot that adds to the uncertainty.
We have the platform, the manager and a young, talented squad. But top-four ambitions don’t cut it anymore. If Arsenal are to take the next step, we must act with more urgency when it matters most.
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