Benjamin Sesko could be on the move at the end of the season. The 21-year-old striker was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal last summer, but he decided to sign a new contract at RB Leipzig instead.
Sesko, who sees his current deal at the Red Bull Arena expire in June 2029, has featured 32 times in the Bundesliga this season, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists. Despite his best efforts, the German outfit have failed to qualify for the Champions League next season.
Leipzig could, mathematically, sneak into the Europa League if they win their final game of the campaign and Borussia Dortmund lose, while making up an 11 goal difference. So, that only leaves the Conference League up for grabs.
In order to qualify for UEFA's third-tier competition, Leipzig must beat VfB Stuttgart and either: make up a six goal difference if FSV Mainz win, or simply hope FSV Mainz draw or lose. If they fail to make Europe, the German club could be inclined to cash in on their prized assets.
So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up everything you need to know about Sesko and Arsenal's search for a new striker.
Arsenal remain interested in Sesko
football.london understands that Arsenal were interested in signing Sesko last year, but talks never reached an advanced stage. He wanted to resolve his future before Euro 2024, but the Gunners couldn't commit to a deal with Eddie Nketiah still at the club.
By the time the Hale End graduate eventually left, Sesko had already penned a contract extension at RB Leipzig. Despite missing out,football.london understands thatthe north Londoners have continued to monitor his progress , and they remain keen on securing his signature – even if his stock has fallen a little.
Berta makes Gyokeres feelings known
football.london understands that Arsenal are long admirers of Viktor Gyokeres, with interest dating back to his spell at Coventry City in the Championship. Despite an impressive debut campaign for Sporting CP in the Portuguese top-flight, the Gunners, like many other clubs, opted against making a bid.
The Swede has continued in the same vein this term, scoring 38 goals in 32 games. football.london understands that Berta is thought to be a 'big fan' of Gyokeres, but – as it stands – an official offer hasn't been submitted.
Sesko's agent speaks out on Arsenal interest
During the January transfer window, Elvis Basanovic was asked if his client has what it takes to play for Arsenal. Speaking on Slovenian TV channel Arena Sport, Sesko's agent said: "I think you should ask Mr. Arteta about that. But I think Sesko could suit many clubs because he has different football skills.
"He can play alone in attack, with two strikers, a little further back, he has height, speed, technical speed," added Basanovic. "Benjamin Sesko is really shining, I think this is a phase of development.
"I think we have already shown in the past that we are sticking to the development path, that we are not looking at current form. Our decision regarding the next step, the transfer, has never and will not stem from current form, but from who can offer Sesko the best platform for his development.
"We can see that our decision was correct, six months later he is already a better striker than he was last season. What he lacks is experience. We must not forget that he is only 21 years old, so we did not want him to go to the Premier League in the summer.
"There were concrete options, but we consciously decided to stay in the Bundesliga to give him time to progress and develop into a better striker."
Sesko provides an update on his future
Sesko provided an update on his future during an interview with Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport back in October. The RB Leipzig star said: "I don’t comment on transfer rumours.
"I’m happy in Leipzig and that’s why I recently extended my contract. I want to achieve even more great things here, Leipzig wants to grow a lot and I want to accompany the team on this very intriguing journey."
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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