The summer transfer window is heating up, and Arsenal’s pursuit of a marquee striker has taken a dramatic turn. After months of speculation linking the Gunners with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, recent developments suggest the North London club may be stepping back from the deal. Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has provided clarity, stating, “No [Arsenal aren’t backing out of a deal for Sesko], Sesko and Gyokeres are both contacts ongoing at the moment. Let’s see what Arsenal decide.” With Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta under pressure to bolster the squad for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, Arsenal’s next move could define their title aspirations.
## A Long Pursuit of Sesko
Arsenal’s interest in Sesko, the 22-year-old Slovenian striker, has been well-documented. The 6ft 5in forward, often compared to Erling Haaland for his blend of height and explosive pace, scored 21 goals and provided six assists for Leipzig last season, including four in the Champions League. His performances prompted Arsenal to engage in “initial concrete talks” as early as May 2025, with Arteta seeing him as the ideal solution to the club’s attacking woes. “We need a goal threat and firepower out there,” Arteta emphasized last month, reflecting on a season marred by injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, which left Arsenal without a player reaching double figures in Premier League goals.
Negotiations with Leipzig escalated, with reports of a “secret meeting” between Berta and Leipzig’s Marcel Schafer to discuss payment structures. Sesko’s release clause, fluctuating between £68.4m and £85.5m based on performances, became a focal point. Arsenal reportedly reached an agreement on personal terms for a five-year deal, and Leipzig’s failure to qualify for the Champions League made them open to a sale. However, a sticking point emerged: Sesko’s camp demanded a release clause in any Arsenal contract, set at just a 20% premium over the transfer fee. “It’s quite unusual to ask for something like that when moving to a first-tier club,” journalist Duncan Castles noted, suggesting Arsenal’s reluctance to agree could derail the deal.
## Shifting Targets and Strategic Pivots
Despite earlier optimism, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg stating, “I am totally convinced Sesko will play for Arsenal next season,” recent updates indicate Arsenal are reconsidering their approach. Romano’s latest comments confirm the club is not fully committed to Sesko, keeping lines open with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish striker, who scored a staggering 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting, is a compelling alternative, though his £84m price tag and Arsenal’s wage structure concerns have complicated talks. “Sesko and Gyokeres are both contacts ongoing at the moment,” Romano clarified, hinting at Arsenal’s broader strategy to secure a world-class number nine.
The Gunners’ hesitation may also stem from Sesko’s reported wage demands, which some claim exceed Arsenal’s financial framework. Additionally, Leipzig’s firm stance on their valuation, coupled with interest from Saudi clubs like Al-Hilal—who offered Sesko a salary four times higher than Arsenal’s—has added complexity. Sesko, however, has expressed a desire to “continue in Europe,” making Arsenal a preferred destination. Yet, with no formal offer submitted and Leipzig eyeing replacements like Goztepe’s Romulo Cardoso, the deal remains in limbo.
## Arsenal’s Broader Transfer Ambitions
Arsenal’s transfer window is about more than just a striker. The club is close to finalizing a deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, with the midfielder arriving in London to complete a £51.4m move. The departures of Jorginho, Kieran Tierney, and potentially Thomas Partey have created space for new blood, while Gabriel Magalhaes’ imminent contract extension signals stability at the back. “I like Benjamin Sesko and he could definitely help Arsenal,” former Gunner Mikael Silvestre said, but the club’s cautious approach suggests they’re weighing all options, including Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.
With rivals like Liverpool and Manchester City strengthening early for the Club World Cup, Arsenal’s slow start has raised eyebrows. Berta’s methodical approach—laying groundwork for multiple deals before committing—differs from the aggressive moves of their competitors. “Arsenal have no such immediate deadline,” one observer noted, referencing the Club World Cup, but fans are growing restless for a marquee signing to close the 10-point gap to champions Liverpool.
## A Critical Moment for Arteta
The 2025/26 season is pivotal for Arteta, who has led Arsenal to three consecutive runner-up finishes. The lack of a clinical striker was a glaring issue last season, with draws costing them the title. Sesko’s potential arrival promised to address this, with his “technical aspect” and physicality lauded as an “irresistible combination.” Yet, as talks falter, Arsenal’s pivot to Gyokeres or others will test Berta’s negotiation skills. Fans remain hopeful, with one tweeting, “Sesko or Gyokeres, just get it done—Arteta needs that firepower!”
As the transfer window, open until September 1, 2025, progresses, Arsenal’s next steps will be closely watched. Sky Sports and the club’s Transfer Centre will provide live updates, while the Emirates faithful await a signing to ignite their title challenge. Whether it’s Sesko, Gyokeres, or a surprise name, Arsenal’s quest for a striker remains the saga of the summer.
Leave a Reply