Arsenal - Andrea Berta
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal’s pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško has intensified, with reports from Sky in Germany revealing that new Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta recently held a secret meeting in London with Leipzig counterpart Marcel Schäfer to discuss a potential deal.
Šeško, one of Europe’s most highly-rated young forwards, is now expected to cost close to £69 million (€82m), with his release clause having risen due to performance-related variables, including appearances and goals. Discussions reportedly focused on payment structures and terms as Arsenal continue to explore the possibility of bringing the 21-year-old Slovenia international to north London.
While Šeško is not the only striker on Arsenal’s shortlist, Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres remains a firm target, he is believed to be a priority for Berta, who sees the forward as a long-term solution to Arsenal’s issues in front of goal.
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Arsenal’s interest in Šeško is not new. Sky Sports News reported in January that the Gunners were seriously considering a move but were blocked by a gentleman’s agreement between the player and Leipzig to remain until the end of the 2024/25 season. The club had also made enquiries last summer, only for Šeško to sign a contract extension until 2029. However, with Leipzig failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League, they are now open to selling.
Arsenal - Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko (Image credit: Getty Images)
Šeško is keen on a move to a club competing for both domestic honours and Champions League glory—two ambitions that align perfectly with Arsenal’s current trajectory under Mikel Arteta.
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This season, Šeško has delivered 21 goals and six assists across all competitions, including four goals in the Champions League. His elite conversion rate is nearly 20% higher than Arsenal’s current first-choice striker Kai Havertz, and he ranks in the top 4% of all forwards in Europe for non-penalty goals—statistics that underscore his ruthlessness in front of goal.
Physically, Šeško is a striker built for the Premier League. Standing at 6’5”, he combines pace, power, and aerial dominance, offering a profile Arsenal have lacked since the days of Robin van Persie. Unlike Havertz, who excels in creating and linking play, Šeško thrives in exploiting space, making direct runs, and finishing with precision and power. His presence in the box could be the final piece in Arsenal’s attacking puzzle.
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