Manchester United have revealed a secret weapon in their bid to hijack Arsenal’s pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. While Arsenal appear close to securing the highly rated Slovenian forward, United believe they hold a unique advantage that could turn the tables in their favor.
Arsenal have been actively engaged in talks with Sesko’s representatives, with a transfer fee rumored to be around £75 million. The Gunners see Sesko as the answer to their ongoing struggles in attack, hoping the young striker can fill the void and provide the goals they desperately need. However, United are keen not to let their Premier League rivals secure a prized target so easily.
The secret weapon Manchester United are banking on is none other than Christopher Vivell, their head of recruitment. Vivell has a long-standing relationship with Sesko, having discovered the player when he was just 16 years old and bringing him to Austrian club RB Salzburg. This connection could prove invaluable as United attempt to persuade the striker to choose Old Trafford over the Emirates.
United’s striker situation has been challenging, with their main forward last season, Rasmus Hojlund, falling short of expectations. Finding a prolific goal scorer is a priority for the club, and Sesko fits the profile of a young, talented striker who could rejuvenate their attacking options. The presence of Vivell, who was there to watch Sesko in a Wolfsburg match in April, signals that United are serious about making a move.
Despite the strong interest, United face significant hurdles. Financial constraints are a major concern, as the club will not be participating in next season’s Champions League, limiting their revenue streams. This means they need to raise funds by selling some of their key players before they can make a big-money signing.
Several United players have been identified as potential departures. Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Jadon Sancho are reportedly surplus to the requirements of the club’s coaching staff, with each likely to bring in substantial transfer fees. The combined sales could raise close to £150 million, which would help bankroll the acquisition of a high-profile target like Sesko.
The club’s captain, Bruno Fernandes, is also attracting interest, with a Saudi Arabian club ready to offer a deal that could fetch around £100 million. However, Fernandes remains a key figure in the squad, and losing him could impact United’s midfield strength. Balancing the need for funds while maintaining a competitive squad will be one of the biggest challenges for the club in this transfer window.
Meanwhile, Arsenal continue to push forward with their efforts to sign Sesko. The Gunners see the striker as a vital addition to their attacking lineup, aiming to address the inconsistencies and goal-scoring issues that have plagued them. Mikel Arteta’s side is eager to bolster their forward options and believes Sesko has the potential to be a long-term asset.
Manchester United’s strategy hinges on leveraging Vivell’s relationship with Sesko. Having played a pivotal role in the player’s early career, Vivell’s influence could tip the balance in United’s favor. The club is hopeful that this personal connection will convince Sesko to commit to their project, despite Arsenal’s apparent lead.
Ultimately, the battle for Sesko is set to be a key storyline of this transfer window. With both Premier League giants eager to secure the promising striker’s signature, the competition is fierce. United’s financial challenges and Arsenal’s ongoing negotiations make the outcome uncertain, but the presence of a trusted figure like Vivell in the United camp adds an intriguing twist to this high-stakes chase. Whether this secret weapon will be enough to turn the tide remains to be seen, but it certainly adds a new dimension to one of the summer’s most captivating transfer sagas.
