Arsenal
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Fri 7 March 2025 20:30, UK
Arsenal are leading Tottenham in the race to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Mikel Arteta’s side are one of the favourites to land his signature and have been working on the deal since last summer.
The 21-year-old has emerged as Arsenal’s top target in the upcoming window, and they could now move to meet his £58million release clause after the season ends.
This comes after Football Insider revealed in May 2024 that Arsenal wanted to sign Sesko from Leipzig before the German outfit tied him down to a new contract.
Sesko’s current deal is set to run until 2029, but the release clause has made his early departure more likely given the level of interest in his signature.
Tottenham’s move for Sesko, meanwhile, is thought to be a very difficult one for them to pull off even if they are prepared to meet the release clause.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
The striker is believed to prefer a move to the likes of Arsenal or Chelsea given their participation in next season’s European competitions which currently looks likely for Spurs.
Benjamin Sesko is a transfer target for both Arsenal and Tottenham. (Credit: Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta raging after Arsenal missed out on January deal
Arsenal attempted to sign Sesko again during the January transfer window but were unable to get a deal over the line as they failed to complete a single signing.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in January that Arsenal missed out on a deal for Sesko in the mid-season window given their lack of urgency.
As a result, they have been caught out by the lack of depth in their squad which has seen their Premier League title challenge thrown off course.
Arteta was left angry at the Arsenal hierarchy following their failings in the January window, as injuries to Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka derailed their season.
Havertz and Jesus have been ruled out for the rest of the season, Martinelli is targeting a late-march return, while sources told Football Insider that Saka would be lucky to play again this season.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta is planning for the future at Arsenal. (Credit: Imago)
Tottenham beaten to Benjamin Sesko deal after contact made
Tottenham’s late attempts to swoop ahead of their rivals in the race for Sesko’s signature is expected to fall flat given the extent of Arsenal’s work behind the scenes.
Their interest has been well-known for months, while contact is believed to have been made with the striker’s representatives during the January window.
Spurs have been targeting a new striker amid concerns about their lack of depth behind Dominic Solanke, as well as the striker’s availability given his injury issues this term.
Sesko’s ten goals and four assists in 23 Bundesliga games so far this season have made him a key target for both clubs.
However, Ange Postecoglou’s side are said to have moved too late for the striker as Arsenal are the heavy favourites to land his signature when the summer window opens.
For more Arsenal and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts