Arsenal are continuing discussions over a potential move for Benjamin Sesko, despite entering the final stages of negotiations to sign Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP, in what could prove to be one of the most expensive double forward pursuits in recent Premier League history.
According to Chemnitzer Morgenpost, RB Leipzig have yet to receive any formal withdrawal from Arsenal regarding Sesko, who remains in talks with the club even as the Gunners close in on Gyökeres.
This is why the Sesko transfer to Arsenal is stalling Chemnitzer Morgenpost, July 9, 2025 Leipzig's high-flyer Benjamin Sesko actually wants to continue his upward trajectory, but could become a dead stock. Viktor Gyökeres According to consistent English media reports, the Gunners are already negotiating with Sporting Lisbon about a transfer for Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres, who scored 54 goals in 52 competitive matches last season. The 27-year-old is even said to be willing to forgo part of his salary if he joins the Premier League club. Arsenal's new sporting director Andrea Berta is said to have already flown to Portugal to speak directly with Sporting's management about a potential transfer worth around €80 million. Previously, RB Leipzig's Sesko was considered Arsenal's number one transfer target. The 22-year-old remains convinced of the next step, and RB Leipzig is still in negotiations with Arsenal. There has been no rejection from the London club so far. Sesko is also expected to fetch at least €80 million if sold. Reportedly, RB Leipzig is even eyeing a little more for their current star, who extended his contract until June 30, 2029, last summer. Article Name: This is why Sesko's transfer to Arsenal is stalling Publication: Chemnitzer Morgenpost Start Page: 16 End Page: 16
This is why the Sesko transfer to Arsenal is stalling Chemnitzer Morgenpost, July 9, 2025
Arsenal’s interest in Sesko never disappeared, despite reports throughout the summer framing the situation as a choice between the two forwards.
“The 22-year-old remains convinced of the next step, and RB Leipzig is still in negotiations with Arsenal,” the German outlet reports, adding that Leipzig want a figure exceeding €80 million for the Slovenian, who signed a new deal until 2029 after nearly joining Arsenal last summer.
LEIPZIG, GERMANY: Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC Bayern München at Red Bull Arena on May 03, 2025. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s pursuit of Gyökeres has entered what sources describe as a critical phase. According to A Bola, Arsenal and Sporting are just £5 million apart in their valuations.
Sporting are holding out for a guaranteed €70 million (£59 million), while Arsenal’s latest bid is reported to be €65 million (£54.7 million) plus €15 million (£12.6 million) in add-ons.
Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta travelled to Lisbon over the weekend to meet with Gyökeres’s agent Kenan Bert and Sporting officials in a meeting that moved the process forward but stopped short of an agreement.
The Swedish striker, who netted 54 goals last season, has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal, signing off on a five-year contract worth €8.3 million per season, or roughly £138,000 a week.
LISBON, PORTUGAL: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the Liga Portugal Betclic match between Sporting CP and Estrela da Amadora at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 01, 2024. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
According to Record, Gyökeres has made it clear that he will not return to Sporting under any circumstances and is threatening to force a loan move if a permanent transfer cannot be finalised.
He is due back at Alcochete on Friday, but multiple reports state he will not report for training.
His entourage are reportedly prepared to escalate the matter, including publishing messages they claim show Sporting previously agreed to let him leave for €60 million plus €10 million in bonuses.
Sporting, for their part, are planning for life after the 27-year-old and have identified Luis Suárez as his successor.
Despite the hardening stance from Gyökeres’s camp and the financial gap that remains, there is optimism in Lisbon and north London that a deal will be struck by Friday.
But even as that agreement nears, the presence of Sesko in ongoing discussions reflects the scale of Arsenal’s ambitions in the market this summer.
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