Arsenal have moved a step closer to securing additional firepower as they are leaning towards wrapping up a deal which would see RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko head to the Emirates Stadium instead of Sporting marksman Viktor Gyokeres this summer, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Having been appointed as the Gunners' new sporting director in March, replacing the departed Edu, Andrea Berta has been working closely with boss Mikel Arteta to identify potential recruits as the north Londoners go in search of aiding their push to end the wait for major silverware.
Myles Lewis-Skelly is on the verge of signing a new long-term contract at Arsenal, which will come as a significant boost due to making himself the first-choice left-back after enjoying a breakthrough 2024/25 campaign, but there remains a desire to bring in reinforcements during the transfer window.
Gunners Set Sights on Sealing Deal for Sesko
North Londoners aware Slovenian wants to complete switch
Benjamin Sesko in action for RB Leipzig
Arteta has pinpointed Sesko as his top summer target as he seeks to make Arsenal more of a formidable force in the final third of the pitch heading into next term, according to GMS sources, but they will only entertain agreeing a deal on their terms and there is still a gap in valuation.
Fresh from missing out on European qualification on the final day of the Bundesliga season, Leipzig are threatening to demand up to £86million for the striker after he has been the subject of significant interest from the Emirates Stadium and other sides across Europe during the early stages of the summer transfer window.
GMS sources have been informed that Arsenal are aware Sesko is keen to complete a switch to north London and, having seen him enjoy a prolific 2024/25 campaign in his current surroundings, the north Londoners are hopeful that they will be able to reach an agreement when they up the ante in their pursuit.
Benjamin Sesko's statistics for RB Leipzig this season
The 22-year-old has been described as a 'superstar' by journalist Graeme Bailey and, with Leipzig failing to book their place in the Champions League, Arteta is sniffing an opportunity to pounce as it has become increasingly likely that he will be given the green light to embark on a fresh challenge.
Arsenal have set themselves a deadline to recruit a new first-choice centre forward, GMS sources have learned, as it has been decided behind the scenes that they need to sign Sesko or an alternative target before they get their campaign underway with a trip to Manchester United to ensure they are not playing catch-up to bolster a priority position.
Gyokeres Still Eyed Amid Ongoing Uncertainty
Influential figures unsure which frontman will be easier to land
Viktor Gyokeres celebrating after scoring for Sporting
GMS sources have been told that Gyokeres has remained in the frame as a potential acquisition despite Sesko being Arsenal's number one pick as it has been acknowledged by influential figures behind the scenes that it is still unclear which deal will be easier to get over the line in the coming weeks.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas has insisted that there is not a gentleman's agreement for the former Coventry City man to leave for a cut-price fee of £59million, leading to there being some friction at the Jose Alvalade Stadium as he aims to take his career in a new direction.
Gyokeres' rift with members of the hierachy has complicated matters for Arsenal, GMS sources understand, but there have been indications that Arteta and Berta have earmarked Sesko as their preferred arrival to leapfrog the likes of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus at the top of the pecking order.
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The Slovenia international's agent Elvis Basanovic recently told GMS that he is not putting pressure on Leipzig to lower their demands to help facilitate a summer switch, but the Gunners are circling and want to ensure he is on their books as preparations are made for next season.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 19/06/2025
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