Bayern Munich make move for Benjamin Sesko as ‘Harry Kane’s successor’ in major blow to Arsenal’s transfer plans… as the German giants plot surprise new role for the England skipper

By LUKE POWER

Bayern Munich reportedly hold an interest in signing Benjamin Sesko as their long-term replacement to Harry Kane. 

The Bundesliga champions were keen on him last summer and are still considering a swoop for the RB Leipzig striker, who is also Arsenal’s top target.

Sesko is priced at £75million after a prolific couple of seasons in Saxony, with the 22-year-old banging in 21 goals last campaign despite Leipzig’s struggles. 

Arsenal have held initial discussions over a potential move, with a striker the main priority on sporting director Andrea Berta’s summer wish list. 

But Bayern could throw a spanner in the works as German newspaper Bild have revealed that they are still open to signing him.

If they did, their plan would be to shove Kane backwards into a number 10 role – a position he is not formally acquainted with but which may suit his tendency to drop deep.

Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal transfer target Benjamin Sesko

The RB Leipzig forward could cost around £75million after a prolific 21-goal season 

If Bayern did sign him, they would reportedly move Harry Kane back into a number 10 role

However, Bild acknowledge that Arsenal ‘hold the upper hand’ over Bayern in the race for Sesko. 

Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal also made an approach for the Slovenian international but his priority is to stay in Europe. 

Sesko has scored 39 goals in 87 games for Leipzig since joining the German club two years ago. 

Before that, he cut his teeth at Red Bull Salzburg in Austria, the same club where Erling Haaland honed his talent before jumping to Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City. 

He has been on the radar of the Premier League’s top clubs for at least four years. 

Salzburg had some fun on social media at the expense of Manchester United in 2022 on learning of their interest in Sesko, who was then 19. ‘We now want €1billion, Bruno Fernandes and Fred the Red for Sesko,’ they wrote in July 2022.

In a recent deep dive in Sesko by Mail Sport’s Tom Collomosse, a long-time observer of Sesko spoke of his qualities. 

‘Sesko has the potential to become one of the best and most complete strikers in the game,’ came the assessment of Oliver Durr Dehnhardt, head of football strategy at scouting platform Eyeball.

Arsenal are said to have the upper hand over Bayern and have already stated talks

Vincent Kompany is targeting back-to-back Bundesliga titles after reclaiming it this season

Sesko speaks good English and it is expected that he would adapt to life in England well. 

Bayern may be encouraged to step up their pursuit, however, after the body blow of Liverpool agreeing a transfer fee for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.  

Wirtz will soon complete the most high-profile transfer of the summer after Liverpool finally agreed a deal to sign the German superstar for a fee that could rise to £116million.

Mail Sport reported last week that Liverpool were confident of doing a deal and were just finalising the details of add-ons and bonuses.

And they have now struck an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen for a base £100m fee that will rise to an English record £116m based on those bonuses which include winning the Premier League and Champions League with Wirtz at the heart of those potential successes.

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Bayern Munich make move for Benjamin Sesko as ‘Harry Kane’s successor’ in major blow to Arsenal’s transfer plans… as the German giants plot surprise new role for the England skipper

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