THE transfer window doesn’t even officially open until tomorrow (Friday) and already Arsenal have seemingly suffered a blow to their summer recruitment plans.

It was widely reported that the Gunners had made RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko their number one target with Mikel Arteta desperate to reinforce his limited attacking options.

The 21-year-old Slovenian ticked a lot of boxes: age is on his side, he was fresh from scoring 18 goals in all competitions for the German club last season, and he was rumoured to be available for £55million.

But Sesko spurned the opportunity to play in the Premier League yesterday (Wednesday) when he signed a new contract with RB Leipzig.

Describing the move as “the logical next step”, the forward said: “I had a good first year at RB Leipzig and am incredibly happy to be here. Team, club, city, fans – the overall package is simply outstanding for me. The early contract extension was therefore the logical next step for me.”

Arsenal have become a well-oiled machine in the transfer window of late with Arteta and sporting director Edu working to strengthen the squad each season. So it will come as little surprise that the duo are said to have already identified a number of potential suitable strikers.

One of those targets is thought to be Bologna marksman Joshua Zirkzee who bagged 11 goals in 34 Serie A outings last term. The 23-year-old has a £34m release clause in his contract, and is also attracting interest from Premier League rivals Manchester United.

Another surprise name thrown into the mix this week was Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke, who could be available for £65m this summer.

The former Liverpool forward scored 19 goals and registered three assists for the Cherries last season, and has also been heavily linked with Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham.

Meanwhile, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has heaped praise on Bukayo Saka ahead of England’s opening Euros match against Serbia this Sunday.

“I’ve known Bukayo for a very long time, since the academy,” Henry told the Premier League. “I don’t think anyone thought he was going to be what he became. There was a lot of hope. But what he has been doing is just outstanding.

“He’s so humble, the way he sees the game… defending well, attacking well, clever the way he holds the ball, now he’s adding goals and assists to his game.

“To remember the guy that I saw in the academy early doors and see what he became… when you have the will, that grit, that desire and work ethic – talent can be one thing but if you don’t have that, you’re going nowhere. He has that.”