Benjamin Sesko sends perfect Arsenal transfer message after secret clause discovered
Benjamin Sesko scored a sensational hat-trick for Slovenia on Monday. The 21-year-old, who was subject to interest from Arsenal before committing his future to RB Leipzig back in June, fired a treble as his nation thrashed Kazakhstan and continued their unbeaten start to the Nations League campaign.
Sesko, who also netted in the 1-1 draw against Austria last Friday, is now the top scorer in the Nations League after Matchday 2 with four goals in two games. Sweden duo Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak - both of whom were linked with a move to Arsenal over the summer - are tied second with three goals.
As for Sesko, it was a memorable performance from the forward after scoring his first-ever Slovenia hat-trick. His first was a sensational individual goal, dribbling beyond three players before driving into the area and dinking the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper.
Sesko netted a quickfire second during an action-packed first half and that one was more straightforward, albeit it being a more typical goal from a No.9. After a shot was saved, Sesko picked up the pieces and followed up the rebound, nudging the ball past the 'keeper before hammering home from close range.
He scored his third to wrap his hat-trick in the second period. Sesko rose highest to direct a free-kick into the back of the net. It was a smart header from the striker, who beat the 'keeper to the ball and directed home. Sesko now has five goals in all competitions this season, after netting once for Leipzig.
Sesko is continuing to show why some of the elite European clubs wanted to sign him earlier this summer. Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea were among his potential English suitors, after finishing last season with 18 goals in 42 matches. He had a £55million release clause in his Leipzig contract.
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The Gunners, in particular, had their sights set on Sesko. However, the deal failed to reach any kind of advanced stages because of his desire to remain with Leipzig for another season. Sesko ended up signing a new five-year contract with the Bundesliga side until 2029, removing the existing release clause.
Despite this, Sky Sports reported that there is a new clause in the deal at a set price that could see him leave without club-to-club negotiation next summer. Furthermore, it was claimed that Sesko has a 'gentleman's agreement' with Leipzig to potentially move on in 2025.
football.london understands that Sesko will continue to be watched throughout the forthcoming campaign with Leipzig as Arsenal look to sign another centre forward next year. The Gunners missed out on securing a new No.9 in the summer after failed moves for Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen.
Kai Havertz has impressed after starting the season as their first-choice No.9. He has scored twice in their opening three matches, netting against Wolves and Brighton. Gabriel Jesus could return from a groin issue for the trip to Tottenham, while Eddie Nketiah made the £25m move to Crystal Palace on deadline day.