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Arsenal have long been linked with RB Leipzig's Slovenian star Benjamin Sesko
Al-Hilal are keen to add a striker before the early transfer window closes at 7pm
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By DOMINIC HOGAN
Published: 04:37 EDT, 10 June 2025 | Updated: 04:37 EDT, 10 June 2025
Arsenal could be handed a massive blow to their transfer plans, with Al-Hilal sensationally weighing up a move for Benjamin Sesko on transfer deadline day ahead of the Club World Cup, according to a report.
The Gunners have long been linked with a move for the RB Leipzig and Slovenia forward, who is considered to be one of the best young strikers in the game and is on numerous clubs' shortlists.
Last week they were reported to have made a formal approach for the player, in order to explore what a deal would look like if they were to bring the 22-year-old to north London, however there is yet to be an offer forthcoming.
It is thought that Leipzig would value the player similarly to the nine-figure sums connected to the likes of Newcastle's Alexander Isak and Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike. Mail Sport reported last week that Arsenal are hoping to secure a deal of around £70million.
Sesko is still considered very high on Arsenal's list of targets, though the news that Al-Hilal could attempt a swoop ahead of the Club World Cup may scupper those plans, as per Sky Sports.
The Saudi club had been linked with a move for Victor Osimhen, only for that to have reportedly fallen through, leaving them to explore other options on the eve of the Club World Cup.
RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has emerged as a surprise deadline day target for Al-Hilal
Mikel Arteta's side have long been admirers of the striker and had bids turned down in January
Saudi Pro League runners-up Al-Hilal are keen to add a new striker before the 7pm deadline
Al-Hilal are keen to bring in a new frontman today as the window ahead of the competition shuts at 7pm tonight, hence the urgency.
The Saudi side are now managed by former Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi, who is looking to pick up his first piece of silverware in the USA over the next month.
Mail Sport understands that Sesko, who scored 21 goals and registered six assists in all competitions last season, including four in the Champions League, wants to join Arsenal.
The Gunners previously had offers for Sesko rejected in May last year and during the most recent January transfer window.
The north Londoners had looked to bolster their forward options in January and put in offers for Sesko and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, both of which were rejected.
Mikel Arteta was left short in the final third of the pitch for the second half of the season when Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz both suffered serious injuries in January and February respectively.