Benjamin Sesko pulls out of Slovenia match while Arsenal look to secure transfer

Benjamin Sesko is a key transfer target for Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)

Benjamin Sesko has withdrawn from Slovenia's match against Luxembourg due to injury, as Arsenal intensify their chase for the striker. The 22-year-old has shone for RB Leipzig since joining the German team in 2023. He netted 21 goals and provided six assists in all competitions, despite a challenging season for Leipzig as they failed to qualify for any European competition. Prior to his Bundesliga stint, he led Red Bull Salzburg to three consecutive Austrian titles.

Sesko has long been on the radar of Premier League clubs, but Arsenal's interest seems more earnest this time. The Gunners are eager to sign a new forward as they strive to end their 21-year title drought. Mikel Arteta's team have finished second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons. It is widely believed that a natural goal scorer is the missing piece in their puzzle.

Sesko is one of two players identified as top targets, but first, there is an international break to navigate. The 22-year-old was selected for Slovenia's squad for their matches against Luxembourg and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The first friendly is scheduled for Friday in Luxembourg City, with Slovenia flying over on Thursday. However, according to Sportklub, Sesko is not part of their travelling party.

Due to an injury sustained towards the end of Leipzig's season, the striker has been forced to withdraw from the friendly match. Despite joining his national team at the beginning of the international break, Sesko has not been able to participate in training sessions.

Benjamin Sesko will not play for Slovenia agaisnt Luxembourg (Image: Getty Images)

Although he won't be playing against Luxembourg, Sesko is still at the Slovenian training base, and it is hoped that he might be fit enough to play against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Celje on Tuesday. The team's coach Matjaz Kek said: "This means an opportunity for someone else. It calls for us to try to find some solution. There are quite a few new names who have also made a good impression through our league, but now we have to put everything together into a mosaic that, I hope, will be good.

"I am sure that everyone will give their best. You don't get into the national team with one good move and you don't get out of it because of one bad move. Here are the guys who earned it over a certain period of time."