Arsenal is aggressively pursuing the signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.
Negotiations are currently focused on his release clause, with the Gunners working to finalize the deal.
Senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke, speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, revealed that RB Leipzig is attempting to remove the release clause from Sesko’s contract, which complicates the transaction.
Sesko, a 21-year-old Slovenian striker, has a release clause set at approximately £42.5 million.
Manager Mikel Arteta is determined to enhance Arsenal’s attacking lineup for the upcoming season, with Sesko being a primary target.
The plan is to pair Sesko with Kai Havertz to strengthen the team’s offensive capabilities.
Alongside Sesko, Arsenal has also shown interest in Viktor Gyokeres, a 25-year-old striker, but the high asking price from Sporting CP poses a potential barrier to this acquisition.
Football Insider initially reported on May 23 that Arsenal aimed to conclude Sesko’s transfer by the end of June, before the expiration of his release clause.
This strategic move is part of Arsenal’s broader efforts to secure their top targets before the transfer window heats up.
Benjamin Sesko joined RB Leipzig from RB Salzburg in 2023 for a transfer fee of £20 million.
During his debut season at Leipzig, Sesko showcased his talent by scoring 18 goals in 42 appearances, which drew interest from several top European clubs.
Specifically, he scored 14 goals in the Bundesliga over 31 matches and added another 11 goals in 28 international appearances for Slovenia.
Although Sesko experienced a slow start to his Leipzig career, managing only two goals in his first 15 league games, his performance significantly improved towards the end of the season.
He found the back of the net in each of his last seven matches and contributed a goal or an assist in all but three of Leipzig’s final 16 Bundesliga fixtures.
This impressive run of form has made him a highly sought-after player, catching the attention of Mikel Arteta and other elite clubs.
Arsenal’s interest in Sesko is driven by their need to resolve persistent issues in their attacking department.
Despite some strong performances from Kai Havertz towards the end of the season, the Gunners have struggled to find consistent scoring options.
Sesko is viewed as the ideal solution to these problems, with his goal-scoring ability and recent form suggesting he can make a significant impact in the Premier League.
Arteta’s pursuit of Sesko indicates Arsenal’s commitment to rebuilding and strengthening their squad for the forthcoming season.
By adding a player of Sesko’s caliber, Arsenal hopes to enhance their competitive edge and achieve better results.
The club’s management is working diligently to overcome any obstacles in the transfer negotiations, reflecting their determination to bring top talent to the Emirates Stadium.
As the transfer window progresses, Arsenal supporters will be eagerly watching for further developments.
The potential signing of Benjamin Sesko represents a major coup for the club, underscoring their ambitions to compete at the highest levels in English and European football.