Arsenal transfer news: Benjamin Sesko twist emerges as 'approach' planned before Club World Cup

Arsenal-linked striker Benjamin Sesko is wanted by Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal in time for the Club World Cup, according to a report.

For weeks, the biggest question coming out of the Emirates was whether the Gunners would make Slovenia international Sesko or Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres their chief attacking target.

In recent days, the North London giants appear to have settled on the former, allowing Manchester United to step up their pursuit of Gyokeres with an initial approach to Sporting.

Arsenal tried and failed to prise Sesko away from the Red Bull Arena last summer, as the Slovenian penned a contract extension with the German side, but a departure this summer is looking increasingly likely.

Arsenal are believed to have held positive conversations with Sesko's camp, although they are yet to agree personal terms with the player or shake hands on a fee with Leipzig.

Al-Hilal 'turn attention' to Sesko after transfer failures

As a result, Mikel Arteta's men remain at risk of a hijack, and Sky Sports News claims that Saudi titans Al-Hilal will make a push for Sesko's signature ahead of the Club World Cup.

Al-Hilal have already tried and failed to pull off two marquee striker moves this summer, firstly attempting to lure five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo to the club from Al-Nassr.

However, the 40-year-old has now confirmed that he will be remaining with his current club, forcing Al-Hilal to pivot and instead look to lure Victor Osimhen away from Napoli.

At one stage, an agreement was believed to be in place between the Nigerian and Al-Hilal, but a move has since collapsed, with Osimhen ultimately deciding to reject a move to the Middle East.

As a result, Simone Inzaghi's side are ready to make a late charge for Sesko, who is under contract at Leipzig for another four years and is expected to cost in the region of £60m-£70m.

Why Arsenal should not worry about Al-Hilal hijack

If Al-Hilal want to add Sesko to their ranks in time for the Club World Cup, they have several hoops to jump through and very little time to do it in.

The first summer transfer window - or exceptional registration period - closes at 7pm on Tuesday, meaning teams only have a matter of hours to get deals done ahead of the Club World Cup.

Negotiations can of course move incredibly quickly when there is a deadline approaching, and Al-Hilal can easily satisfy Leipzig's demands, but it may be a different story on the player's side.

Indeed, Sesko is understood to be keen to continue his career in Europe, and he is unlikely to be swayed by the riches on offer in Saudi Arabia.

As a result, Arsenal need only keep doing what they are doing before attacking the deal at pace in the second summer market, which opens for business on June 16 and closes on September 1.

Written by
Ben Knapton