Arsenal are growing increasingly frustrated with Benjamin Sesko as they look to secure a deal for their top summer transfer target, but negotiations are not going to plan
11:43, 22 Jun 2025
Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig looks on during the 1. Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and VfB Stuttgart at Red Bull arena, Leipzig, Germany on May 17, 2025. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Benjamin Sesko's demands are frustrating Arsenal(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Arsenal are reportedly becoming frustrated with Benjamin Sesko's wage demands as they attempt to secure a deal for their top summer target.
Mikel Arteta is keen to sign a new No.9, but negotiations have hit a problem due to the player's salary expectations. The Gunners are eager to make the Slovenian striker their marquee summer signing and are willing to meet RB Leipzig's £70million asking price.
The German club's failure to qualify for European competition has seemingly forced them to consider selling their highly-rated forward, who is tipped for a move to the Premier League.
However, Sesko's representatives are reportedly seeking a hefty pay packet, which exceeds what Arsenal are prepared to offer. As reported by The Sun, this could lead to the North London club pulling out of the deal - sporting director Andrea Berta has been negotiating multiple deals simultaneously as a contingency plan.
This could potentially steer Arsenal towards Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish striker is keen to depart Sporting Lisbon this summer following another impressive season in front of goal, although the 27-year-old is aware he isn't Arsenal's first choice.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, gestures during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United FC at Emirates Stadium on May 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta's priority is to sign a top class striker(Image: Stuart MacFarlane, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arteta and his team are also mindful that Manchester United are showing strong interest in Gyokeres. Ruben Amorim would be happy to welcome his former player to Old Trafford, but Arsenal's ability to offer Champions League football could give them an edge in negotiations.
Arsenal have failed to sign a top class striker in recent transfer windows, focusing their attention instead on strengthening other areas of the squad. Their plans backfired last season as they grappled with multiple injuries and Kai Havertz's finishing letting them down.
With Arsenal missing out on the Premier League title for the third consecutive year, there's building pressure for them to address their striking dilemma.
To add to their frustrations, they’re potentially losing ground on other transfer targets, with Nico Williams reportedly on the verge of a move from Athletic Bilbao to Barcelona.
Arsenal are keeping tabs on Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, although Liverpool are also monitoring the defender, who harbours concerns over playing time at the Emirates due to the established partnership between William Saliba and Gabriel.
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Jurrien Timber has commented on the anticipated flurry of activity at Arsenal on the Matchday podcast, stating: "It will definitely be a busy one for Arsenal. I think we will get a lot of players, because we had so many injuries last season."