Benjamin Sesko, the centre-forward who Arsenal have identified as their top target after conceding defeat in their chase for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, is reportedly at the heart of a crucial 24-hour period for the Gunners. The 22-year-old Slovenian forward has been the subject of discussions between Arsenal and his current club, RB Leipzig, who are prepared to let him go for the right price this summer.
Arsenal executives have already approached Sesko’s representatives, having missed out on signing him last year when he chose to stay in Germany. Now, Leipzig are considering selling Sesko and Dutch attacking midfielder Xavi Simons to finance a rebuild this summer, following a tumultuous 2024-25 season that saw them miss out on European qualification.
A £60million deal that would meet both clubs’ needs – Leipzig’s need for funds and Arsenal’s need for a new number nine – has been suggested and is what both parties are working towards.
However, Al Hilal could throw a spanner in the works for Arsenal, according to The Mirror. The Saudi club failed to secure a lucrative deal for Victor Osimhen, who rejected a massive offer from the Middle East for the second time in nine months.
They also couldn’t persuade Viktor Gyokeres, another player on Arsenal’s striker shortlist, to abandon his Premier League aspirations, despite offering the Sporting Lisbon goal machine a contract reportedly worth an astonishing £30m per year.
Thus, they’re now focusing on their third-choice target, having been provided with a list by their new high-profile manager, Simone Inzaghi, who was recently lured away from Champions League finalists Inter Milan.
The third man on the list is Sesko.
With the FIFA Club World Cup looming, there’s an increasing urgency to secure a big-name signing in time for the tournament, where they aim to make a significant impact.
The first part of the summer transfer window closes on Tuesday night, and they need to finalise a deal by then. Money isn’t an issue and they can meet Leipzig’s demands.
The real question is whether they can convince Sesko?
They can certainly offer him a substantial salary – effectively four times what he might earn at the Emirates Stadium.
It all comes down to whether he’s willing to abandon hopes of shining in the Premier League and Europe next season.