Arsenal have been handed another major obstacle in their efforts to sign Benjamin Sesko with Saudi Arabian clubs joining the race for his signature.
The Gunners are eager to sign a centre forward this summer and while talks took place to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, Sesko has emerged as their top target.
Manchester United have been credited with interest in the 22-year-old but it appeared Arsenal would have a relatively clear run to sign the Slovenia international this summer.
While they have been in talks with RB Leipzig for a number of weeks, there is thought to have been no major breakthrough with the German side standing firm on their £70million valuation.
Fabrizio Romano now reports clubs from the Saudi Pro League have joined the race to sign Sesko ahead of Mikel Arteta’s side.
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While the striker is still thought to favour a move that keeps him in Europe, Saudi clubs would have no problem meeting Leipzig’s huge valuation.
A-Hilal are named as one of the clubs interested in his services.
The club, who last week appointed Simone Inzaghi their new manager, were ready to spend £100million to sign Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United only for the midfielder to reject their advances to stay in Manchester.
Al-Hilal were also prepared to spend big on Victor Osimhen but the Nigeria international has turned down a staggering offer worth €30million-a-season.
Arsenal spent a large portion of last season without a centre forward at their disposal with Mikel Merino shifted up front while Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz were sidelined.
Gyokeres, who scored 52 goals in 54 appearances last season, emerged as a target at the end of the 2024-25 season.
But Arsenal’s waning interest, coupled with Chelsea signing Liam Delap from Ipswich, has opened the door back up for United to land the Sweden international.
United’s failure to secure Champions League football next season appeared to have derailed their chances of competing for his signature.
But latest reports suggest United are now firmly back in the race as their seek to bring in a striker to lead their new-look attack of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.