Arsenal are now set to hold talks over a deal to sign a £84m striker, with Mikel Arteta keen to secure his signature, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.
Arteta's striker pursuit rumbles on
There has been a new twist in the Gunners' pursuit of a striker, with it being revealed that Viktor Gyokeres plans to snub Manchester United if the Gunners come calling, although the Sweden international isn't thought to be Arteta's top target.
Indeed, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now revealed the deal for Gyokeres is "not advancing", with the north Londoners "focussing" on bringing Benjamin Sesko to the Emirates Stadium this summer, having identified the Slovenian as a prime target months ago.
Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli during the press conference Related
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Unlike Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester City, Arteta's side don't need to rush to bring a new striker through the door, as they are not competing in the upcoming Club World Cup, but they are now stepping up their pursuit.
That is according to an update from Plettenberg on X, with the reporter revealing that the next round of talks over a deal for Sesko is now "scheduled", and the feeling around a possible deal is "very positive".
Arteta is personally "keen" on signing the 22-year-old, who Plettenberg describes as a "top striker", but a deal will not be cheap, with RB Leipzig expected to hold out for a fee of around €80m - €100m (£67m - £84m).
Arsenal-Sesko (1)
The Bundesliga club are now waiting for an official offer for the centre-forward, with no full agreement in place at this stage.
"Monster" Sesko could be ideal striker signing for Arsenal
It is important that Arteta is happy with the striker Andrea Berta brings in this summer, given that he must be suitable for the Spaniard's system, with it previously being revealed they are in disagreement over whether to sign the RB Leipzig forward or Gyokeres.
At this point, the Slovenia international seems to be the more likely signing, which could be good news for the Gunners, considering he has proven himself in a stronger league than the Sporting star, while he is also five years his junior.
Sesko has maintained a solid goal record over the past two seasons in Germany, showing real signs of development since arriving from RB Salzburg, and he could be the final piece of the jigsaw for Arsenal in attack, much like Erling Haaland was for Manchester City.
Season Appearances (all comps Goals Assists
2023-24 42 18 2
2024-25 45 21 6
Lauded as a "monster" by football scout Ben Mattinson, the Leipzig star could be a fantastic signing for the Gunners, although Gyokeres did manage to outscore his fellow forward last season, albeit in a weaker league.
Sesko vs Gyokeres 2024-25 league stats (timeless)