Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano explains Arsenal’s risky transfer decision this summer

Transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has explained why Arsenal decided not to sign a new striker this summer after missing out on Benjamin Sesko.

Sesko was primarily a target for the Gunners and other top clubs in the early summer, but he eventually committed his future to RB Leipzig, signing a new contract with the Bundesliga giants.

We can imagine Sesko will be one to watch again next summer, as Arsenal and other clubs are likely to look at the Slovenian international again. Chelsea have also been mentioned as candidates to scout him this season, according to Simon Phillips on Substack.

Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside In the Daily Briefing, Romano made it clear that Arsenal don’t buy players without a reason, which is why they didn’t immediately buy another striker when it became clear they couldn’t get Sesko.

Sesko transfer: Why Arsenal didn’t sign an alternative

“I think Arsenal had a very good window. Signing David Raya permanently, Raheem Sterling was a good last minute opportunity, Riccardo Calafiori a fantastic signing. Mikel Merino also a very good addition, very much wanted by Arteta,” Romano said.

“Arsenal don’t sign players for fun and that’s why they didn’t sign a striker after missing out on Benjamin Sesko, who decided to sign a new contract with RB Leipzig at the beginning of the summer.”

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AFC already have Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus as options in attack, so this might be a wise move from the North London giants. They can probably afford to try with their current attackers for at least one more season before spending big on a top talent like Sesko or someone similar.

Havertz in particular is currently in excellent form for Mikel Arteta’s team, so it is hard to imagine Sesko being in the team ahead of him. However, Jesus’ current form and fitness may be a concern, as it remains to be seen how much he can really contribute over the course of the season.