Ange Postecoglou's one-word remark embarrassed Arsenal before Benjamin Sesko joined Man Utd

Ange Postecoglou's one-word remark embarrassed Arsenal before Benjamin Sesko joined Man Utd

Benjamin Sesko has signed for Manchester United after Arsenal's interest was rebuffed last summer, a snubbing which saw former Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou produce a jestful jibe

Ange Postecoglou chimed in on Benjamin Sesko's failed Arsenal move last year (Image: ITV)

Former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou brutally dubbed Benjamin Sesko "smart" for rejecting Arsenal last year. The Gunners had been pursuing Manchester United's new signing for some time before opting to go in a different direction.

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Mikel Arteta's search for a striker concluded this summer with the £64million acquisition of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP. However, several targets, including Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins and Sesko, had been considered before settling on Gyokeres, who himself turned down interest from United.

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The 22-year-old Sesko will now spearhead Ruben Amorim's attack for the forthcoming Premier League season. Last year, during the Euros, Postecoglou commented on the marksman ahead of Slovenia's group stage match against England, offering an insightful and rather comical perspective on the failed Arsenal move.

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"I think a big club would have looked at him this year, and it's a smart move for him to stay there for another year," Postecoglou said while providing analysis for ITV during Euro 2024.

"I think there's still some development in him, but really good attributes for a striker position, for sure," he added, referring to the forward who had just signed a new contract with RB Leipzig to ward off potential suitors.

ITV presenter Mark Pougatch then asked the Australian: "Is that the Tottenham manager saying it's a smart move not to go to Arsenal?"

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Postecoglou worked as a pundit for ITV during the Euros (Image: ITV)

Postecoglou delivered a cheeky response as he declared: "No comment." This sparked laughter from everyone in the ITV studio, including Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane.

Reports emerged last summer that Arsenal were poised to trigger Sesko's £55m release clause, but their interest quickly faded after the striker signed his fresh contract, reports Football London.

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Similar rumours surfaced again in January and during this summer's transfer window, but with a higher price tag attached, their chase swiftly ended, and Gyokeres was secured instead.

The Red Devils then pounced to land themselves a striker, confirming Sesko's arrival in a deal worth £74m on Saturday and presenting him to supporters ahead of a pre-season clash with Fiorentina.

Sesko was introduced to fans at Old Trafford after signing a five-year deal (Image: Getty)

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Sesko was delighted when questioned about why he chose United over other potential destinations, including Arsenal and Newcastle United, who tabled a more generous offer for him this summer.

"The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future," declared Sesko. "When we discussed the project, it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon.

"From the moment that I arrived, I could feel the positive energy and family environment that the club has created. It is clearly the perfect place to reach my maximum level and fulfil all of my ambitions.

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"I cannot wait to start learning from Ruben [Amorim] and connecting with my team-mates to achieve the success that we all know we are capable of together."

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