Ralf Rangnick's verdict on Benjamin Sesko speaks volumes amid Arsenal transfer talks
Arsenal are once again chasing a deal for Benjamin Sesko, but the RB Leipzig striker would have been playing for Manchester United now if Ralf Rangnick had his way
Benjamin Sesko is once again at the top of Arsenal's transfer wishlist - but had things worked out differently, he could have been turning out for Manchester United.
That's because the Slovenian striker was one of a number of players who was recommended to the club by Ralf Rangnick during the former interim manager's ill-fated stint at Old Trafford.
Rangnick, who has since gone on to manage the Austria national team, declared that United were in need of "open-heart surgery" before being moved on in 2022. And with plenty of work to be done on renovating a beleaguered squad, Sesko was among the names Rangnick felt would be a no-brainer for the club to pursue.
While he didn't name Sesko at the time, he did outline that the players he'd recommended would appeal to an elite club like United whatever the circumstances.
READ MORE: Transfer news recap: Arsenal suffer huge striker blow, Man Utd confirm deal, Chelsea latestREAD MORE: Benjamin Sesko signs as Bukayo Saka replacement secured - Arsenal's dream end to JanuaryHe explained: "There might be a couple of players - and I have already named those players to the board - that independent from formation, from style of football, and independent from a new manager, that could be of interest for a club like United."
Unfortunately, United didn't follow up on Rangnick's recommendation and Sesko ended up joining RB Leipzig for £55million back in the summer of 2023, though the deal was announced 12 months earlier.
And the 21-year-old is now firmly in the sights of Arsenal, who would love to bring him to The Emirates THIS month if a deal can be done with his club.
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Sesko has been in good form for Leipzig this season, plundering 14 goals in 26 appearances. He was expected to be approached by Arsenal in the summer, only for the striker to pen a new deal with the Bundesliga outfit.
Mirror Football outlined on Wednesday that Arsenal are ready to spend big this month IF they feel they can land a top target. And with a new No.9 on their agenda, Sesko would certainly fit the ball if Leipzig are willing to play ball.
Mikel Arteta confirmed he was in constant contact with the Arsenal hierarchy with regards to the window earlier this week, saying: “We are in constant contact, obviously - understanding the situation, how the team is evolving. Obviously, some of the big news that we had, unfortunately, they weren’t that positive. How we’re feeling about it, they’ve been super supportive and they continue to be so.”
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