Arsenal have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of a top striker with reports from Germany suggesting that RB Leipzig have left Benjamin Sesko out of their pre-season squad—fuelling speculation that a move to the Emirates could be imminent.
The Gunners are in the market for attacking reinforcements after an injury-ravaged campaign up front contributed to their narrow miss in both the Premier League title race and UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
According to German outlet BILD, the omission of Sesko from Leipzig’s pre-season preparations is a strategic move, as Arsenal intensify efforts to land the highly-rated Slovenian forward. The 21-year-old is coming off an impressive 2024–25 season in which he scored 21 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions.
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However, Leipzig have placed a hefty price tag on their prized asset. As reported by the Irish Independent, the Bundesliga side are demanding €110 million (£92m) for Sesko, whose current contract runs until 2029. Despite the steep valuation, Arsenal remain undeterred, with reports indicating that preliminary talks have already begun.
🚨BREAKING: Benjamin Sesko will be left out of RB Leipzig’s pre-season tour as Arsenal are positioning themselves for his signing.
RB Leipzig would start talks at £59m with hopes of getting £84m.
[@BILD] pic.twitter.com/OlZgGZ2yfa
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) May 29, 2025
Manager Mikel Arteta has hinted at a significant summer outlay, making clear that high-profile signings are on the agenda as the club aims to finally break its long-standing Premier League title drought.
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While Sesko remains a primary target, Arsenal have also been linked with Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres. Recent reports claim the Gunners have submitted a formal bid of €70 million (£58m) for the Swedish international, though they face stiff competition from Bayern Munich and Manchester United.
Journalist David Ornstein has also confirmed that Arsenal are likely to make a high-profile striker signing this summer, with the club expected to choose between Sesko and Gyokeres.
Speaking onNBC Sports, The Athletic reporter confirmed that the Gunners are firmly in the market for a marquee centre-forward to bolster their attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
“They’ve got a decision to make between Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig and Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting Lisbon — both fantastic options and talents,” Ornstein said. “I do expect one of them to come into the Emirates Stadium this summer.”
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