The transfer tussle for RB Leipzig's highly-rated striker, Benjamin Šeško, has taken a new turn this summer. While Arsenal appeared to be the frontrunners for his signature, their interest has reportedly cooled, paving the way for Manchester United to emerge as serious contenders for the Slovenian international.

Despite signing a contract extension with the Bundesliga club until 2029 just last month, Šeško remains a coveted asset in the current transfer window. The 22-year-old's impressive performances for RB Leipzig, where he bagged 18 goals across all competitions last season, have kept him on the radar of several Premier League giants.

Arsenal, who had been in prolonged discussions with Leipzig, are understood to have been put off by the German club's hefty valuation of the player, with reports suggesting an asking price in the region of €80 million (£70-80 million). Sources indicate that Šeško's wage demands also proved to be a stumbling block for the North London club, who are now believed to be shifting their focus to Sporting CP's Viktor Gyökeres.

This development has opened the door for Manchester United, who have reportedly made concrete advances in their pursuit of the young forward. The presence of Christopher Vivell, Manchester United's technical director who previously held a similar role at RB Leipzig, is believed to be a significant factor in the negotiations. United are keen to bolster their attacking options, and Šeško's profile as a dynamic and prolific goalscorer fits the bill. However, any potential move is likely contingent on the Old Trafford club offloading some of their current players to finance the deal.

Chelsea, another long-term admirer of Šeško, had seemingly withdrawn from the race following their acquisition of Liam Delap. However, insiders suggest that the Blues could reignite their interest should they manage to sell some of their existing forwards before the transfer window closes.

For his part, Šeško has remained professional amidst the speculation. Speaking after his contract extension in June, he expressed his happiness at RB Leipzig and his belief that it was the right environment for his continued development. While the new contract secures Leipzig's position, it is widely believed that a gentleman's agreement is in place for a future transfer, should a suitable offer be made.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Benjamin Šeško's future. While a move away from Leipzig this summer is not a certainty, the persistent interest from the Premier League, particularly from a club of Manchester United's stature, suggests that this transfer saga is far from over. Football fans will be eagerly watching to see where the talented Slovenian will be plying his trade come the start of the new season.