In a dramatic press conference that sent shockwaves through the football community, Slovenian striker Benjamin Šeško has opened up for the first time about why his highly anticipated move to Arsenal collapsed at the final stage.
Šeško, who was strongly tipped for a summer transfer to the Emirates, confessed that his admiration for the Gunners was so deep that he was ready to make a major personal sacrifice just to join the club.
> “I have a genuine love for Arsenal — so much so that I was even ready to give up my salary to make the move happen,” Šeško told journalists. “Money wasn’t the motivation. I just wanted to wear the Arsenal shirt, step onto the pitch at the Emirates, and fight for the supporters.”
The Arteta Discussion That Changed Everything
The turning point, according to Šeško, came during a one-on-one conversation with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
> “Arteta said something that I will never forget for the rest of my life… and that’s what caused the deal to fall through,” he revealed.
Although the 21-year-old declined to share the exact words, insiders familiar with the talks claim Arteta raised concerns about his immediate place in the squad. Allegedly, the manager suggested that Šeško might need to accept a rotational role during his first season, rather than being a guaranteed starter.
Sources say the remark left the forward feeling as though he wasn’t truly wanted, despite Arsenal’s ongoing interest.
From Near Completion to Collapse
At one point earlier in the transfer window, Šeško’s move to Arsenal appeared almost done. Personal terms were reportedly “virtually agreed,” and RB Leipzig were prepared to discuss a deal. But within a matter of days, negotiations crumbled entirely, leaving Šeško set to continue his career in the Bundesliga for at least another year.
Reaction from Fans and Media
Arsenal supporters voiced their disappointment on social media: “If he was willing to take a pay cut, we should have sealed the deal!”
Some analysts, however, defended Arteta’s decision, arguing: “He’s building a squad to win now — maybe Šeško wasn’t part of the immediate plan.”
In Slovenia, the media lamented the outcome: “This was Benjamin’s dream transfer, and to see it vanish in this way is heartbreaking.”
What Lies Ahead for Šeško?
The young forward has made it clear that his focus will now be on delivering for Leipzig. However, he refused to completely close the door on a future switch to England.
> “Football can be unpredictable. Who knows? Maybe one day I’ll still get the chance to play for Arsenal,” he said, smiling with a hint of regret.
