Arsenal ‘shocked by U-turn’ as £55m target explains snub, Romano lifts lid on ‘Gentleman’s Agreement’

Arsenal are reportedly left ‘shaken’ after being snubbed at the ’11th hour’ by RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, who has signed a new contract.

The gunners spent around £65million to sign Kai Havertz from Premier League rivals Chelsea last summer and the Germany international has grown into the season becoming Mikel Arteta’s first-choice number 9.

Arsenal misses Sesko…

Despite this, Arsenal are expected to sign a new striker this summer with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah linked with moves elsewhere.

Sesko became Arsenal’s main target after scoring 14 goals in his 31 Bundesliga matches during his first season for RB Leipzig.

The 21-year-old was initially expected to leave RB Leipzig this summer as there is a £55million release clause in his contract and he was attracting interest from the Premier League, with Chelsea and Manchester United mooted as other potential destinations .

But these clubs must look elsewhere as Sesko made the surprising decision to stay at RB Leipzig after signing a new contract.

A report of Caught offside claims Arsenal were ‘shaken by this 11-hour U-turn’.

“CaughtOffside sources knowing the situation, it came as an almighty shock to the Gunners, who had almost convinced him personally before his final decision was made public.

“The Gunners had not been informed in advance by Sesko of his decision, and with the player also rejecting some of Saudi Arabia’s attempts a few weeks ago, Arsenal clearly felt they were in pole position.

“Further contacts between Arsenal and the player’s agent were expected in the coming days, but Sesko’s future – at least in the short term – is now set.”

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Sesko explained why he decided to commit his future to RB Leipzig.

“So the early extension of the contract was the logical next step for me,” Sesko said.

He added: “I feel a lot of trust and appreciation throughout the club and that is crucial to being able to realize my full potential. Especially in the second half of the season, I was able to give something back with my goals.

“We have a team with great potential and a balanced mix of young and experienced players. I’m really looking forward to taking the next steps with this team.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, meanwhile, commented on Sesko’s new ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with RB Leipzig regarding a future transfer.

“In Sesko’s new contract there is a gentleman’s agreement for him, between the player, the club and his agents, to leave the club in 2025 or 2026 under different conditions to the 65 million euro clause that existed this summer,” Romano said. .

“This is not a new clause, but a Gentleman’s Agreement, something discussed privately, so let’s see if they decide to share this information at some point.”

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