Manchester United Make Late Move for Ex-Arsenal Target Amid Transfer Race

Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of former Arsenal target Benjamin Šeško, just days after a pre-season friendly match.

The Red Devils are reported to have initiated formal talks with RB Leipzig, dispatching a delegation to Germany to explore a potential deal for the 22-year-old striker.

Šeško has also attracted interest from Newcastle United, but sources close to the negotiations suggest the player prefers a move to Old Trafford. United are looking to reinforce their attacking options ahead of the new season, and Šeško has emerged as a priority.

Arsenal, once seen as the front-runners for Šeško, have since shifted focus, securing the signing of Viktor Gyökeres in a £63.7 million deal. The Swedish international was also on Manchester United’s radar, but ultimately rejected the chance to reunite with former manager Rúben Amorim at Old Trafford.

Arsenal fans may recall a similar situation in 2003, when Manchester United famously swooped in to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon. Then-manager Sir Alex Ferguson sanctioned a £12 million deal for the Portuguese teenager, a record fee for a player of his age in England at the time.

Arsenal had been monitoring Ronaldo closely, with Arsène Wenger also interested in securing his signature before United sealed the move.

This latest development suggests that while Arsenal have moved on, Manchester United are once again positioning themselves to capitalise on their rival’s groundwork in the transfer market.