Summer Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko still has a release clause in his contract despite his recent contract extension, according to a report.

LEIPZIG, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 28: Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC Augsburg at Red Bull Arena on September 28, 2024 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
LEIPZIG, GERMANY: Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC Augsburg at Red Bull Arena on September 28, 2024. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Arsenal made a pretty substantial effort to convince Benjamin Sesko to move from RB Leipzig to north London over the 2024 summer, but they were ultimately unsuccessful.

Sesko preferred to spend another season in Germany as he continues his development, and Sami Mokbel reports for the Daily Mail that he feared he would be second-choice to Kai Havertz with Arsenal.

The striker signed a new contract with Leipzig, and that was that for Arsenal’s summer pursuit.

LEIPZIG, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 28: Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC Augsburg at Red Bull Arena on September 28, 2024 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
LEIPZIG, GERMANY: Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC Augsburg at Red Bull Arena on September 28, 2024. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Yet Mokbel reports that Arsenal retain an interest in Sesko, and the player did give serious consideration to a summer move. The Gunners were set to pay his release clause before the player’s hesitation became clear.

Perhaps a sign of how strongly Sesko was considering a departure is that his new deal still has a release clause in it.

Mokbel writes that the contract has a £55m buy-out clause, and Arsenal are monitoring his progress closely ahead of the 2025 transfer windows.

LEIPZIG, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 28: Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC Augsburg at Red Bull Arena on September 28, 2024 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
LEIPZIG, GERMANY: Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC Augsburg at Red Bull Arena on September 28, 2024. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Charles Watts reported in October that he believes there’s a chance Arsenal will revisit the move in the future, perhaps even next summer.

The club haven’t burned any bridges with Sesko’s camp, and their relationship remains intact.

Sesko has scored seven goals and assisted a further three in 15 appearances for Leipzig this season so far, averaging a goal contribution every 106 minutes.