Arsenal have yet to reach the final stages of a deal for Benjamin Sesko, and Viktor Gyokeres remains a "strong" alternative to the RB Leipzig striker, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Sesko looks to be the Gunners' top target this summer amid the club's pursuit of the Slovenian forward. He previously turned down a move to the Emirates to continue developing at Leipzig.
There have been suggestions that the 22-year-old has already agreed to terms, although this appears to be wide of the mark. A new number nine signing is almost certainly going to be made but the North Londoners could still turn to Sporting CP's Gyokeres.
Romano: Arsenal's Sesko Deal Not Done
The Gunners still have "work to do"
Benjamin Sesko celebrating after scoring for RB Leipzig
Sesko has four years left on his contract at Leipzig, where he's become one of Europe's most highly-regarded frontmen. The 6-foot-5-inch striker would be a much-needed acquisition for Mikel Arteta following another trophyless season that highlighted a need for a proven goalscorer.
Romano provided an update on Arsenal's pursuit, warning that a deal has not been completed, and mentioned that Gyokeres remains an option. He said on his YouTube channel:
"Talks are ongoing but as of today Wednesday [June 12] the deal is not done yet. So we have to wait. We have to see what happens with Sesko. We have to remember that Viktor Gyokeres remains a strong option in the list."
Gyokeres is heavily expected to leave Sporting this summer amid interest from the Gunners and Manchester United. The Swede is at loggerheads with the Portuguese giants' owners over his price tag.
Romano has refuted claims that there is an agreement between the North Londoners and Sesko over a five-year deal:
"So I think the situation remains one to watch in the next few days because, for Sesko, Arsenal are working, but as of today, a deal is not done. So I'm not sending a negative message. I'm saying that there is still work to do.
I saw some reports say that an agreement was done between Sesko and Arsenal, and an agreement was done or closed between Arsenal and Leipzig. We are not yet at that stage."
Viktor Gyokeres vs Benjamin Sesko in respective leagues (2024-25)
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Goals:
Expected Goals (xG):
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Arsenal could be looking at paying around £84m for Sesko, who's long been on their radar. GIVEMESPORT sources learned in January that Mikel Arteta's admiration for the Slovenian was 'undeniable' and that he has continued to track his progress in Germany despite missing out on him last year.
All statistics courtesy ofSofaScore - correct as of 13.06.2025
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