Arsenal’s quest to secure a world-class striker for the 2025-26 Premier League season has hit a roadblock, as negotiations with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko falter over the Slovenian star’s lofty wage demands. The 22-year-old, who has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising forwards, was poised to be the Gunners’ marquee signing under new sporting director Andrea Berta. However, the young striker’s financial expectations have left Arsenal frustrated, forcing manager Mikel Arteta to reconsider his transfer strategy as the club aims to end a third consecutive season without a Premier League title. With the transfer window set to open on June 16, 2025, the clock is ticking for Arsenal to resolve their striker dilemma.
Sesko’s meteoric rise has made him a prime target for Arsenal, who see him as the solution to their attacking woes. With 39 goals in 87 appearances for Leipzig, including 27 in 64 Bundesliga matches, the 6’4” forward combines physicality, pace, and clinical finishing. His 16 goals in 41 caps for Slovenia further underscore his potential to lead Arsenal’s line. Arteta, dissatisfied with the inconsistent output of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus—whose injury-plagued 2024-25 season exposed the Gunners’ lack of firepower—has prioritized a No. 9 to spearhead their title charge. “We need a goal threat,” Arteta emphasized after a recent match, highlighting the urgency to bolster the squad following a trophyless campaign despite a second-place finish.
Negotiations with Leipzig appeared promising, with Arsenal prepared to meet the German club’s £70 million valuation, a fee made more feasible by Leipzig’s failure to qualify for European competition. However, Sesko’s camp has thrown a wrench into the deal, reportedly demanding a salary that exceeds Arsenal’s carefully managed wage structure. “Sesko’s numbers at his age confirm he’s a special talent,” his agent Elvis Basanovic declared, hinting at a “special club” and “special project” as prerequisites for any move. Insiders suggest Sesko’s team is seeking a deal that would make him one of Arsenal’s top earners, potentially surpassing the wages of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, a demand the club views as disruptive to squad harmony. “It’s quite unusual to ask for something like that when moving to one of the most financially affluent clubs in European football,” transfer expert Duncan Castles noted, pointing to Sesko’s additional request for a release clause set at just a 20% increase over the transfer fee—a condition Arsenal are unlikely to accept.
The impasse has pushed Arsenal to explore alternatives, with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres emerging as a strong contender. The Swedish striker, who netted 54 goals in 52 games last season, is reportedly more aligned with Arsenal’s vision, though his £85 million release clause and interest from Manchester United complicate matters. “There is a lot of talks at the moment, most of it is false. I will speak when the time is right,” Gyokeres posted on Instagram, signaling his openness to a Premier League move. Arsenal’s hesitation stems from their reluctance to lose out on both targets, with Berta negotiating multiple deals simultaneously as a contingency plan. “It will definitely be a busy one for Arsenal,” defender Jurrien Timber predicted on the Matchday podcast, reflecting optimism about new arrivals despite last season’s injury crisis.
The Gunners’ transfer strategy reflects a broader ambition to compete with Manchester City and Liverpool, who have already made significant signings. Sesko’s reported willingness to join the Premier League—he rejected €30 million-a-year offers from Saudi clubs—keeps hope alive, but his demands may force Arsenal to pivot. “If Sesko wants out before he’s even in, then maybe he’s not the right man at all,” a fan sentiment echoed on X, capturing the frustration among supporters. As Berta navigates this high-stakes saga, Arsenal’s pursuit of a striker remains a test of their resolve to balance financial prudence with their hunger for silverware.
Leave a Reply