Arsenal have made Benjamin Sesko their top transfer target but have been put off by RB Leipzig's asking price - but the Bundesliga club have now seemingly changed their stance
11:27, 28 Jun 2025Updated 11:28, 28 Jun 2025
Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig
Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Arsenal's chase for Benjamin Sesko has been given a lift as RB Leipzig have reportedly lowered their asking price. The Gunners, who are yet to secure a centre-forward in the summer transfer window, have identified Sesko as their primary transfer target.
Mikel Arteta recognises the need for a top-notch striker to enhance their attack following a third consecutive second-place finish in the Premier League. Sporting director Andrea Berta is the man charged with securing one and has considered deals for Sesko and Sporting Lisbon's prolific scorer Viktor Gyokeres.
However, there has been a recent lull in activity, much to the frustration of some fans, who are eager for a striker to be signed. Yet, it appears that Arsenal's patience might pay off, with Bild reporting that Leipzig are softening their previous position.
Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig controls the ball during the 1. Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and TSG Hoffenheim at Red Bull arena, Leipzig, Germany on April 5, 2025. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Arsenal fans are keen for their club to sign the striker(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
It was initially believed that the German team were demanding a fee ranging from €80million to €100m (£68m and £85m) for Sesko. This had deterred the Premier League side, who responded by considering other options.
But now it seems that a fee of €70m (£59.7m) could suffice for the 22-year-old, who is contracted with Leipzig until June 2029 and netted 21 goals in 45 matches across all competitions last season, reports the Mirror.
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Arsenal have their eyes set on Slovenian sensation Benjamin Sesko, dubbing him a more attractive prospect than Viktor Gyokeres. The Gunners rate Sesko's Bundesliga experience over Gyokeres' stint in the Portuguese championship, and prize his youth, being just 22 to Gyokeres' 27.
Mikel Arteta recognises the need for a top-notch striker
Mikel Arteta recognises the need for a top-notch striker(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Sesko hasn't shut the door on a switch to the Premier League, striking a contrasting stance to Gyokeres who's at loggerheads with Sporting Lisbon's top brass. His agent Elvis Basanovic addressed swirling transfer whispers, stating, "This is far from truth.
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"We respect RB Leipzig and I am 100 per cent convinced RB Leipzig will also respect our decision for the next step when we decide to do it. Even if there may be – or will be – a strong desire of the player to move to a certain club, we will never force or blackmail RB Leipzig," remarked Basanovic.
He continued, voicing his philosophy: "I believe this is not the right way, because the way you actually exit from the club shows your values. Values that you are bringing into a new club. I can understand in very big transfers, there are a lot of different interests but no matter what, I believe in football world should be more respect."
Basanovic wrapped up with, "So that's why we do things in the right way or we don't do them. It's very simple, even maybe in the media it looks very complicated."