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Opinion: Inside the Sesko Circus – Arsenal’s Exit Now Looks Like a Masterstroke

Originally posted on Just Arsenal | Last updated Aug 4, 2025 5:30 AM ET

Arsenal were wise to walk away from the Benjamin Sesko transfer chase, and developments this weekend have clearly justified that decision.

Keen to win the race Arsenal had exited, both Newcastle and Manchester United saw a free path to the RB Leipzig striker. The Magpies made a bold move and reportedly met the German side’s asking price: €75 million plus €5 million in add-ons.

But the offer was rejected.

While the fixed fee matched Leipzig’s quoted valuation, the overall structure of the package was deemed unacceptable.

Behind the scenes: agent games and frustration

So if the fixed fee was met, what exactly are Leipzig trying to do?

Sesko, his camp, and Leipzig appear to be proving difficult to deal with. And Arsenal knew this long before others did.

One insider, quoted by Hand of Arsenal on X, described the situation:
“During negotiations, Sesko’s agent Elvis Basanovic had left club insiders jaw-dropped with his shenanigans. One insider said he presented Sesko as ‘Messi’.”

In contrast, the agent representing Viktor Gyökeres was reportedly calm, telling Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta he would personally manage the majority of talks with Sporting’s Frederico Varandas.

Had Arsenal continued chasing Sesko, the frustration would likely have been immense. Between massive financial demands, a reportedly unclear release clause, and a difficult agent, the transfer was shaping up to be a minefield.

Sesko’s stance and Arsenal’s decision

Last summer, Arsenal were strongly linked with Sesko. But he opted to sign a new deal at Leipzig, likely using the interest to secure a bigger payday. If he truly wanted a simple exit, he should have ensured it in the contract.

Newcastle’s opening offer shows just how hard it still is to get the player out of Leipzig. Strangely, Sesko himself has not shown much public desire to push for a move and still seems uncertain about his next step.

While Sesko may yet become a top striker, Arsenal have likely dodged a bullet. Even if the Gunners had paid up this summer, how confident could they be that in three years his camp would not push for another major payday, as Alexander Isak’s representatives are reportedly doing at Newcastle?

Sesko is the top client of Pro Transfer, a firm known for seeking major deals for its talents.

All signs suggest Arsenal were right to read the room, and walk away.

A lucky escape Gooners?

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This article first appeared on Just Arsenal and was syndicated with permission.

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