Arsenal - Benjamin Sesko
Image credit: Getty Images
RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko is reportedly insisting on the inclusion of a release clause in any contract he signs with Arsenal, as negotiations between the two clubs intensify over a potential summer transfer.
The 22-year-old Slovenian, who has been a long-term target for Mikel Arteta’s side, is now a top priority in Arsenal’s efforts to strengthen their frontline ahead of the 2025/26 season. According toThe Transfers Podcast, Sesko has made a release clause a key condition for joining the North London club.
Sesko enjoyed a prolific 2024/25 campaign, scoring 21 goals and registering six assists in all competitions for Leipzig. His combination of size (6ft 5in), pace, and finishing has attracted interest from several top clubs, but Arsenal have emerged as frontrunners. The Gunners are seeking a reliable striker to address goal-scoring concerns exacerbated by injury setbacks to Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Kai Havertz.
Sky Sports Germany reports that Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta recently met with Leipzig’s Marcel Schafer in London to advance talks. Leipzig’s current valuation of Sesko is around €80 million (£67 million), reflecting a rise from the €60 million figure earlier this season due to his excellent form.
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However, Arsenal could face a stumbling block in Sesko’s contract demands. Transfer expert Duncan Castles revealed that the striker wants a release clause inserted into his Arsenal contract, pegged at around 20% higher than the fee paid to Leipzig. Castles suggested that Arsenal are “unlikely” to agree to such a provision, describing the request as unusual for a player moving from a “second-tier European club” to one of the Premier League’s elite.
Arsenal - Benjamin Šeško - Fabrizio Romano
Benjamin Sesko (Image credit: Getty Images)
“It’s quite unusual to ask for something like that when you’re moving to one of the most financially affluent clubs in European football,” Castles said on The Transfers Podcast.
This demand could complicate the deal, with Arsenal reportedly exploring ways to avoid triggering Sesko’s current release clause which would require the full fee to be paid upfront. According to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany, Leipzig may consider a lower bid with flexible payment terms, potentially ranging between €70m–€100m based on performance-related metrics such as goals and assists.
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Despite the contract clause sticking point, Arsenal remain “firm favourites” to land Sesko, who is said to be enthusiastic about joining Arteta’s project at the Emirates Stadium. The forward previously turned down Arsenal’s advances last summer and in January, opting instead to extend his Leipzig contract until 2029. However, that extension reportedly included a gentleman’s agreement allowing for a summer exit.
With Leipzig failing to secure Champions League qualification, the path is now clearer for Arsenal to secure a deal. But Sesko’s insistence on a future release clause could test the Gunners’ resolve, especially given their reluctance to insert such clauses into player contracts.
Arsenal, meanwhile, view Sesko’s rare blend of physicality, technical ability, and blistering pace – he clocked 35.47 km/h in the Bundesliga last season as the ideal solution to lead their line in the seasons to come.
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