The summer transfer window of 2025 has thrust Arsenal into a whirlwind of anticipation and frustration as their pursuit of RB Leipzig’s star striker Benjamin Sesko hits a critical juncture. Mikel Arteta, determined to end Arsenal’s trophy drought after three consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League, has identified the 22-year-old Slovenian as the ideal No. 9 to spearhead the Gunners’ attack. However, negotiations have stalled due to Sesko’s unexpectedly high wage demands, leaving Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta grappling with a pivotal decision: meet the striker’s terms or pivot to alternative targets.
Sesko, whose 13 goals and five assists in the Bundesliga last season showcased his blend of physicality, speed, and clinical finishing, has long been Arsenal’s top target. The Gunners are prepared to pay Leipzig’s £70 million valuation, a significant profit for the German club, who signed Sesko from Red Bull Salzburg for £20 million two years ago. Yet, the deal has hit a snag over personal terms, with Sesko’s representatives reportedly seeking a salary far exceeding Arsenal’s planned budget. “We’re not willing to bend over backwards,” a source close to the negotiations revealed, underscoring the club’s commitment to maintaining a sustainable wage structure. This stance reflects Arsenal’s cautious approach, shaped by past financial missteps, such as the high wages paid to aging stars like Thomas Partey, who left on a free transfer after demanding a pay increase.
Adding intrigue to the saga, Sesko has remained cryptic about his future, offering what some have called a “wordless message” through his off-season activities. While Arsenal fans eagerly await clarity, the young striker has been spotted enjoying his summer break, fueling speculation about his commitment to a potential move. His agent, Elvis Basanovic, emphasized respect for Leipzig, stating, “Even if there may be a strong desire to move to a certain club, we will never force or blackmail RB Leipzig. I believe this is not the right way, because the way you exit a club shows your values.” This measured approach suggests Sesko’s camp is leveraging interest from other clubs, including Manchester United and potential Saudi suitors, to secure a lucrative deal.
With negotiations faltering, Arsenal are exploring contingency plans, with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres emerging as a compelling alternative. The 27-year-old Swede, who earns €3.8 million annually compared to Sesko’s reported €5.7 million demand, is keen to leave Sporting after another prolific season. “Gyokeres would bring something great to Arteta’s attack,” a transfer analyst noted, praising his physicality and goal-scoring prowess. However, Gyokeres is aware he is not Arsenal’s first choice, and Manchester United, led by new manager Ruben Amorim, are also in the race. Arsenal’s ability to offer Champions League football could tip the scales, but the clock is ticking as rivals like Liverpool, who recently signed Florian Wirtz, move aggressively in the market.
The Gunners’ transfer strategy is under scrutiny, especially after securing Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi to bolster their midfield. Jurrien Timber, speaking on the Matchday podcast, hinted at an active window: “It will definitely be a busy one for Arsenal. I think we will get a lot of players, because we had so many injuries last season.” Yet, the failure to land previous targets like Ollie Watkins and Nico Williams, coupled with Sesko’s demands, has heightened pressure on Arteta to deliver a marquee signing. Leipzig’s willingness to sell, driven by their failure to qualify for European competition, offers hope, but Sesko’s camp is also pushing for a release clause, further complicating talks.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Sesko represents a departure from their recent transfer trends, as they haven’t signed a first-team player from the Bundesliga since 2018. A successful deal could redefine their attacking identity, but the risk of overpaying looms large. As the transfer window heats up, Arteta and Berta face a defining moment: compromise on Sesko’s demands or redirect their focus to Gyokeres or other prospects. For Arsenal fans, the outcome will signal whether the club can balance ambition with fiscal discipline in their quest for Premier League glory.
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