Arsenal - Benjamin Sesko
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have made a major breakthrough in their pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, with the 22-year-old Slovenian edging closer to a high-profile move to the Emirates Stadium, according to exclusive reports fromFootballTransfers.
Talks between the two clubs have accelerated significantly, with sources revealing that Arsenal are preparing to table a formal offer early next week. The proposed deal is expected to be worth close to €100 million (£84m), potentially making Sesko the most expensive striker signing in the club’s history, surpassing the £60m fee paid for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in 2018.
The progress follows a series of high-level meetings in London, where RB Leipzig officials met with Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta twice this week. With Leipzig failing to qualify for European competition in 2025–26, they are open to selling Sesko to fund a squad rebuild, though they are holding firm on a premium valuation. Sesko’s contract runs until 2029 and contains a flexible release clause, which has risen above €80m based on his performances this season.
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Sesko enjoyed a standout campaign for Leipzig, scoring 21 goals and registering six assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has long admired the forward and is eager to strengthen the squad’s attacking options after a season in which injuries to key players like Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Kai Havertz exposed a lack of depth in front of goal.
Arsenal - Benjamin Šeško - Fabrizio Romano
Benjamin Sesko (Image credit: Getty Images)
Despite finishing third in the Premier League scoring charts, Arsenal were left frustrated by missed opportunities in crucial matches, further fuelling the urgency to land a proven No. 9.
While personal terms with Sesko are not yet finalised, negotiations over wages are said to be progressing smoothly. Arsenal are reportedly mindful of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and may offer a structured deal with room for future improvement as part of their broader financial strategy.
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The Gunners have fended off stiff competition for Sesko’s signature, including a late, lucrative offer from Saudi giants Al-Hilal, who proposed a £60m deal ahead of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. However, Sesko is understood to prefer remaining in Europe, with Arsenal’s long-term project under Arteta proving a key factor in his decision.
Other clubs such as Chelsea, Juventus, and AC Milan have also shown interest, but Arsenal remain the only side in advanced negotiations.
Should the deal unexpectedly fall through, Arsenal are keeping alternatives like Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins in consideration. Nonetheless, confidence in completing the Sesko deal remains high. Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg affirmed: “I am totally convinced Sesko will play for Arsenal next season,” citing the strong momentum in talks.
If completed, Sesko’s arrival would mark a major statement of intent by Arsenal as they aim to mount another serious title challenge in the 2025/26 season.
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