Watch out Arsenal! AC Milan launch charm offensive to try to sign €65m-rated RB Leipzig hitman Benjamin Sesko ahead of Gunners

Posted Sunday, May 12, 2024 by Goal.com

AC Milan are aiming to beat Arsenal to the signing of striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Milan met with Sesko's agents
Release clause set to increase further
Euro 2024 opportunity beckons

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Rossoneri are said to be offering a bid of €50 million (£43m/$54m) - his previous release clause - and may now have the edge over the Gunners after meeting with the Slovenia international's agents. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the meeting went very well and Sesko's team could be in the stands for Milan's Serie A game against Cagliari at San Siro on Saturday.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

But while relations between the two parties are reportedly good, Milan will likely have to up their bid as Sesko's performances have seen his release clause increase to €65m (£56m/$70m) - and it could go as high as €73m (£63m/$79m) before the window opens. Milan may have to cough up even more if Arsenal hang on in race as the Italian club look to find a replacement for Olivier Giroud, who will join Los Angeles FC as a free agent on July 1.

WHAT'S BEEN SAID ABOUT SESKO?

Despite the fact the fees being quoted are fairly large, Slovenia manager Matjaz Kek believes Sesko would be a bargain for any top European club. When asked whether the striker would be a good fit at Milan, he told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “It’s not a question for me. Let me explain: I am happy with how he is growing at Leipzig and in general, his evolution as a footballer. This is why he is becoming increasingly important to Slovenia as well. The point is whether he will change club. All I can say is that whoever signs him will make a bargain. Sesko does not disappoint.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Sesko, still just 20, has scored 11 goals in 27 appearances for Slovenia and has been in fine form for Leipzig this term. The ex-Red Bull Salzburg poacher boasts 13 goals from 30 Bundesliga appearances - including six in his last six - and also netted twice in the Champions League before the German outfit were eliminated by Real Madrid in the last 16.

WHAT NEXT FOR SESKO?

With just next weekend's trip to Eintracht Frankfurt remaining in Leipzig's season, Sesko will now have one eye on Euro 2024. His future is unlikely to be sorted before the tournament kicks off on June 14, which presents the striker with the perfect chance to further impress potential suitors. Slovenia play England, Serbia and Denmark in a tough group.