As the summer transfer window heats up, Arsenal’s quest for a marquee striker to spearhead their 2025/26 Premier League campaign has taken a decisive turn. The Gunners, led by manager Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta, have made significant strides in negotiations for RB Leipzig’s 22-year-old Slovenian sensation, Benjamin Sesko, with reports indicating a potential £88.5 million agreement. This development has reshaped Arsenal’s transfer strategy, notably cooling their pursuit of Sporting Lisbon’s prolific forward Viktor Gyokeres, in a move that underscores the club’s focus on long-term potential over immediate firepower.
Sesko, who scored 21 goals and provided six assists across all competitions last season, has long been on Arsenal’s radar. The Gunners explored a move for the 6ft 5in striker last summer, only for him to sign a new contract with Leipzig until 2029. Now, with Leipzig failing to qualify for the Champions League, the Bundesliga club appears open to negotiations, with a transfer fee expected to fall between £68.4 million and £85.5 million. “Sesko is not just a striker, he is a special striker,” said his agent, Elvis Basanovic, emphasizing the player’s unique blend of physicality, speed, and technical ability. “Sesko will only leave RB Leipzig when he finds a special club, with a special project and a special coach.” Arsenal, with their Champions League qualification and Arteta’s transformative vision, seem to fit that bill, and talks over personal terms with Sesko are reportedly progressing smoothly, with the player keen to join the Emirates Stadium project.
The pursuit of Sesko has significant implications for Arsenal’s interest in Gyokeres, the 27-year-old Swedish star who has dazzled with 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting over the past two seasons. Arsenal had been heavily linked with Gyokeres, with reports of a meeting in Lisbon and an offer of €70 million (£59 million) plus performance-based add-ons. Gyokeres himself hinted at the speculation, posting on Instagram, “There is a lot of talks at the moment, most of it is false. I will speak when the time is right.” However, Sporting’s president, Frederico Varandas, dismissed claims of a €60 million exit clause, stating, “I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for €60+€10m because I never promised that.” With Sporting holding firm at a valuation closer to £85 million, Arsenal’s hierarchy, frustrated by the escalating costs, have shifted their focus to Sesko, whose younger age and potential for growth align with Arteta’s long-term vision.
The decision to prioritize Sesko over Gyokeres reflects a strategic calculation. While Gyokeres boasts a superior goal-scoring record—54 goals in 52 matches this season—his exploits have come in the Portuguese league, considered less competitive than the Bundesliga, where Sesko has faced tougher opposition. At 22, Sesko offers a higher ceiling, with his physical attributes, including a top speed of 35.47 km/h, making him one of the fastest strikers in Europe. Arsenal’s need for a reliable No. 9 is acute, as no player reached double figures in Premier League goals last season despite the team’s 69-goal tally. Sesko’s versatility and potential to develop under Arteta’s coaching make him a prime target, though his 13 Bundesliga goals last season pale in comparison to Gyokeres’ prolific output.
Beyond Sesko, Arsenal are not standing still. Berta is reportedly close to securing Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi for £50 million, while interest in Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo persists. The departure of players like Jorginho to Flamengo and Kieran Tierney to Celtic signals a squad overhaul, with Sesko poised to be the centerpiece of Arteta’s attacking revolution. As Arsenal prepare for a challenging Premier League opener against Manchester United, the race to finalize Sesko’s transfer before the season begins intensifies, promising to shape the Gunners’ title aspirations.
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