Arsenal look to have received a major Benjamin Sesko transfer boost with the RB Leipzig superstar likely to move elsewhere this summer. A new striker is expected to arrive at Emirates Stadium ahead of the 2025/26 season with Sesko one of many options being considered.
Incoming sporting director Andrea Berta will be tasked with handling those negotiations - alongside input from Mikel Arteta on the exact profile he wants. Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP and Newcastle's Alexander Isak being other options linked suggests that the Gunners' boss wants a physical presence up top, who is capable of scoring consistently.
In comparison to those two names, Sesko has struggled for goals on a regular basis, with 17 to his name from 36 games in all competitions, while Isak has 23 from 33 and Gyokeres is on a tally of 40 from 41. The latter, despite his staggering return in front of goal, could end up actually having the lowest asking price.
While Newcastle United are likely to demand interested clubs pay triple figures for Isak and Leipzig want roughly £60million to part ways with Sesko, Gyokeres and Sporting have an agreement in principle to sanction his transfer for any amount between £58.6million and £62.8million (€70m and €75m) - as per Record Portugal.
However, Arsenal and the German club could negotiate a lower fee factoring in their strong relationship and the gentleman's agreement Sesko has with his current team, allowing him to depart without a specific written clause.
While he may have scored less than both Isak and Gyokeres, the 21-year-old has netted the bulk of his Bundesliga goals in the second half of the season. One of those came against Bayern Munich during a five-game scoring streak with Bavarian chiefs clearly liking what they saw.
According to German outlet BILD, Sesko has been added to Bayern's shortlist, but it has been claimed the player himself being the understudy to Harry Kane is out of the question. The report adds, however, that a final decision on his future will not be made until the conclusion of the current season.
Arsenal will also likely take time before making a decision on the striker they wish to sign with Sesko, Isak and Gyokeres high up on the list. Lorenzo Lucca of Udinese has since emerged as an alternative after an impressive campaign in Serie A.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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