Arsenal have been handed a major blow in their move to sign RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, according to reports - with the Slovenian set to demand a higher wage than first thought, potentially putting an end to any move for his services as Andrea Berta plans a huge summer transfer window.
Sesko, 22, is one of the world's top young strikers, having excelled in the Bundesliga over the past two years - and with clubs across the continent looking to secure his services, Arsenal may have come unstuck in the race for his signature as high wage demands have threatened what could be one of the Premier League's biggest potential deals of the summer.
Report: Arsenal Bid for Sesko 'Stalling' over Wage Demands
The Gunners could come unstuck in the race for the prodigy
Benjamin Sesko celebrating after scoring for RB Leipzig
The report by Alan Nixon via his Patreon suggests that Arsenal's bid for Sesko is stalling, due to the Slovenian's wage demands. Mikel Arteta wants the prodigy talisman to be his marquee signing this summer, and the club will pay what Leipzig are demanding for his services - though that isn't the sticking point for his demands.
Benjamin Sesko's Bundesliga statistics - RB Leipzig squad ranking
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Insiders have revealed to Nixon that Sesko's camp will be looking for a much higher contract than they're prepared to pay, and therefore that could change a force of direction.
Arsenal were interested in a deal last summer amid his £55million release clause, alongside Manchester United and Chelsea, though the 'elite' striker surprised all parties by signing a new deal at Leipzig, continuing his strong run of form and development in the Bundesliga.
Arsenal are thought to have Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres as their alternative to Sesko, and don't want to lose out on the Swedish star, who has realised that he isn't Arteta's first-choice target, ranking behind Sesko in the race for a striker.
Sesko already has 39 goals in just 87 games in all competitions for Leipzig, including 27 goals in just 64 Bundesliga games - but they failed to qualify for the Champions League and that could have huge implications for his future, having played in the competitions for the past four seasons at both Leipzig and RB Salzburg, where he has flown through the ranks under the Red Bull franchise with 70 league goals already in his relatively short career.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 22-06-25.
Gyokeres and Sesko Related
Arsenal growing 'frustrated' with Benjamin Sesko wage demands
According to several reports, Arsenal are losing patience in their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko with the RB Leipzig forward's wage demands currently proving too costly. The Gunners had made Sesko their number one target for the number nine position this summer and were edging closer to sealing a deal for the Slovenian. However, reports are now stating how talks with the player have stalled over his wage demands. There were also reports that the Arsenal hierarchy were unhappy with Sesko demanding a release clause to be included in his contract too. Should Sesko’s wage demands be considered unreasonable, Arsenal will switch their attention to Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres. Mikel Arteta's outfit are serious admirers of the Sweden international, but are currently giving their priority to Sesko. Arsenal also believe the Portuguese outfit are demanding a hefty fee for the 27-year-old, hence the lack of movement. Should moves for either Sesko or Gyokeres not materialise, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watk
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