Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko is “asking for an exit clause” which the Gunners would like to avoid, according to Duncan Castles speaking on The Transfers Podcast.
The 2024/25 campaign was another strong one for Arsenal, who finished second in the Premier League for a third successive season and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, losing only to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain. For all of their accomplishments, however, it was yet another season without silverware.
Mikel Arteta will be all too aware of the fact he has not won any major honours with the Gunners since the 2019 FA Cup. As such, the Gunners have already been linked with a number of potential moves as they look to find the player that finally gets them over the line once again.
Arsenal have long been linked with a striker, with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres the highly-touted names, amongst others. It would seem that for one of these forwards, however, the Gunners would need to negotiate a certain aspect of his contract.
‘Unlikely Arsenal Would Agree a Deal’
Castles shares information on Sesko’s Emirates move
Benjamin Sesko celebrating after scoring for RB Leipzig
Speaking on The Transfers Podcast, Duncan Castles revealed that Sesko, who seems to be Arsenal’s “plan B” behind Gyokeres, wants a particular clause in his contract that could prove problematic. Castles said:
“A little bit of extra information I picked up on that Plan B in Benjamin Sesko, which could work in Gyokeres’ favour, I understand that Sesko is asking for an exit clause on any deal he agrees with Arsenal and he would like that release clause to be set at just 20% premium on whatever price Arsenal end up paying Leipzig for the striker.
“(This) is quite unusual, to ask for something like that when you’re moving from, let’s say, a second tier European club to what’s perceived as a first tier European club, and certainly one of the most financially affluent clubs in European football. I think it’s unlikely that Arsenal would agree a deal on those terms.”
Sesko has been brilliant for RB Leipzig since joining them from fellow Red Bull club Salzburg in 2023. The Slovenian international is a physically imposing striker who has a frame that, on paper, would suit the Premier League perfectly and would definitely offer the Gunners an alternative to their current striking options.
Benjamin Sesko 24/25 Stats
Competition
Bundesliga
Champions League
DFB-Pokal
As Castles reported, however, Sesko’s desire for an exit clause in his contract is something that Arsenal are hesitant to offer. This could, in turn, “work in Gyokeres’ favour,” with the Swede expected to depart Sporting this summer. Arsenal’s new number nine remains to be seen, but either of their current targets would be considered brilliant signings.
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( All stats are fromTransfermarktand are correct as of 21/06/2025 )
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