Arsenal - Andrea Berta
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Arsenal have taken a major stride in their pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, with reports in Germany confirming that the Premier League club have reached an agreement on personal terms with the Slovenian international.
According to Bild, the Gunners are now preparing to table an official bid for the 22-year-old forward, expected to be in the region of €80–€100 million (£67–£84 million), in line with Leipzig’s expectations. This development marks a significant breakthrough after months of speculation linking Sesko with a move to north London.
Sesko, who scored 21 goals and provided six assists in 45 appearances for Leipzig last season, including four in the Champions League is seen as Mikel Arteta’s preferred solution to Arsenal’s long-standing striker dilemma. Despite a strong campaign, the Gunners managed just 69 Premier League goals in 2024/25, with no player hitting double digits, a shortfall that contributed to their third consecutive runner-up finish behind champions Liverpool.
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Standing at 6ft 5in, Sesko combines explosive pace with aerial dominance and sharp finishing, qualities Arteta believes are essential for elevating Arsenal’s attacking output. The striker had previously signed a new contract with Leipzig until 2029 but included a gentleman’s agreement to allow a potential exit in the summer of 2025, paving the way for a possible move to the Premier League.
🚨BREAKING: Arsenal and Sesko have reached an agreement. Arsenal have also signalled to Leipzig that their offer will not fall below expectations.
[@SPORTBILD via @Sport_Witness] pic.twitter.com/wbNzN5YQDA
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) June 18, 2025
Should the deal go through, Sesko would become Arsenal’s most expensive striker signing, eclipsing the £60 million spent on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in 2018. Talks have reportedly been progressing well, with Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta recently holding negotiations in London with Leipzig’s Marcel Schäfer. While the Gunners hope to negotiate a reduced fee, there is growing confidence that an agreement can be struck soon.
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In a further boost to Arsenal’s hopes, Sesko is said to have rejected a lucrative offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, who were prepared to quadruple the salary Arsenal can offer. The forward is understood to favour staying in Europe to continue his development at the highest level.
This potential marquee signing comes at a pivotal time for the Gunners, whose Premier League fixture list for the 2025/26 campaign includes a daunting start away to Manchester United (August 17), followed by trips to Liverpool (August 30) and a home clash against Manchester City (September 20).
Arsenal are also nearing the completion of a £51 million deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, as Arteta and Berta seek to strengthen the squad ahead of pre-season.
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