Kai Havertz may have accidentally stopped Arsenal from signing one of the most exciting forwards in the world last summer.
After challenging for the title in back-to-back seasons, Arsenal are currently sitting fifth in the Premier League table following lacklustre performances in recent matches.
On Wednesday, the Gunners lost 1-0 to Inter Milan in the Champions League, making it two consecutive defeats after Newcastle United were victorious in their Premier League meeting last weekend.
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And it has now been revealed that Arsenal missed out an opportunity to sign one of the most impressive talents in Europe over the summer, and Havertz was partly responsible.
According to The Daily Mail, Red Bull Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko emerged as a key transfer target for Arsenal over the summer following his impressive performances both last season and during Euro 2024.
However, despite the rumours the 21-year-old ultimately decided to stay with the Bundesliga side and sign a new deal which keeps him with the club until 2029.
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Sesko had seriously considered making the move to Arsenal but reportedly felt reluctant to commit to a transfer due to fears he would amid he would be second-choice to current striker Havertz.
Arsenal were reportedly prepared to pay the £55million release clause but paused after they discovered Sesko’s initial hesitation.
And after the London club could not guarantee the talented Slovenian a regular spot in the starting lineup, he decided it best to stick where he knew he would start every week.
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Had they managed to bring Sesko to the club, it is very possible that Arsenal could be performing much better this season as the Slovakian forward has impressively netted seven goals and three assists in 14 matches so far.
Comparatively, Havertz has seven goals and one assist in 16 appearances for Arsenal this season.
Speaking about his decision not to make the Premier League move last summer, Sesko said: "I had a good first year at RB Leipzig and am incredibly happy to be here.
"Team, club, city, fans – the overall package is simply outstanding for me. The early contract extension was therefore the logical next step for me."
Topics: Arsenal, Kai Havertz, Transfer News, Premier League, RB Leipzig, Football
Ben McCrum