Soccer Football - Bundesliga - RB Leipzig v Bayer Leverkusen - Red Bull Arena, Leipzig, Germany - January 25, 2025 RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko reacts REUTERS/Annegret Hilse DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO.
Manchester United will prioritize signing a striker and have identified RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson as their top targets. Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has reported that there has been “many movements” for Sesko from United and others clubs across Europe, and that the Red Devils have narrowed down their No9 shortlist to two candidates with the other being Jackson.
United have already secured the signing of Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, and are closing in on a deal for Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo. Both are expected to occupy attacking midfield roles in Ruben Amorim’s system, with United still in search of a new out-and-out striker to lead the line.
Sesko was a known Arsenal target for much of the summer, but reports of Leipzig’s asking price were said to have turned the Gunners away from the deal. With Arsenal now nearing a deal for Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, Sesko remains available and could still be on the move this summer.
The 22 year old striker scored 13 goals in 33 Bundesliga appearances for Leipzig last season and has drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland for his size and pace.
Jackson has found himself falling down the pecking order at Chelsea following the arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, and has endured an indifferent Chelsea career so far. He is not short on suitors however should he choose to depart Stamford Bridge this summer.
United keen on Sesko, Jackson
Reports linking United with Jackson began earlier in the summer when rumours of a potential swap deal with Chelsea including Alejandro Garnacho began to circulate. With Chelsea a known admirer of Garnacho, using the Argentinian winger in any negotiations for Jackson seemed feasible, but those reports were ultimately unsupported.
United’s interest in Jackson has not cooled though, and the Red Devils could still swoop for the player this summer. They could face competition from Juventus and Napoli as well as Premier League rivals Aston Villa, with Jackson’s former manager Unai Emery reportedly keen on a reunion.
Neither Jackson or Sesko would come cheap, with the latter especially reported to be valued at nearly €70m by Leipzig. While Jackson’s alleged value is much lower at €50m, United would likely have to sell players first before moving for either one.
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