Arsenal’s pursuit of a world-class striker, a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s plan to end the club’s Premier League title drought, has hit a turbulent patch. The Gunners had set their sights on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, a 22-year-old Slovenian sensation whose blend of physicality and finishing made him the ideal candidate to spearhead their attack. However, growing frustration within the club has surfaced as Sesko’s camp demands a wage package far exceeding Arsenal’s carefully structured financial framework. With negotiations faltering and the transfer window in full swing, Arteta’s dream of a transformative signing is at risk, forcing sporting director Andrea Berta to scramble for alternatives in a market fraught with challenges.
The urgency for a new No. 9 stems from Arsenal’s lackluster 2024/25 season, where their attacking output fell short despite a third consecutive second-place finish. Kai Havertz, shouldering the striker role, managed only nine Premier League goals, while Gabriel Jesus struggled with injuries and a paltry three, exposing a critical gap in firepower against rivals like Liverpool. Arteta’s frustration was palpable when he declared, “We need an elite upgrade to get over the line,” a sentiment echoed by fans desperate for a clinical finisher to capitalize on the team’s creative dominance. Sesko, with 13 Bundesliga goals last season and a towering presence ideal for breaking down low-block defenses, emerged as the top target. “Arteta wants Slovenia ace Sesko to be his big summer splash,” a club insider revealed, underscoring the manager’s belief in the young striker’s potential to elevate Arsenal’s title challenge.
Negotiations initially showed promise, with Arsenal prepared to meet Leipzig’s £70 million valuation, bolstered by the German club’s failure to secure Champions League football. Early talks even progressed to personal terms, with Sesko reportedly “energised” by the prospect of joining the Emirates. “Benjamin Sesko wants to go to Arsenal,” a source close to the player noted, highlighting his preference for Europe over lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia. However, the deal has hit a wall over Sesko’s “sky-high” wage demands, which exceed Arsenal’s planned structure by a significant margin. Leipzig’s insistence on a fee closer to €80 million, despite earlier indications of a £60 million “gentleman’s agreement,” has further complicated matters, leaving Arsenal “hugely frustrated” as Bayern Munich and other clubs circle.
With time pressing, Berta is exploring alternatives, with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres emerging as a strong contender. The 27-year-old Swede, with an £85 million release clause, has expressed eagerness to join Arsenal, especially as Manchester United have shifted focus elsewhere. “They do not want to lose out on the Swede, who is already realizing he is not first choice,” an insider noted, highlighting the risk of missing both targets if Arsenal delay. Gyokeres’ prolific form in Portugal makes him a viable option, though Arteta reportedly prefers Sesko’s long-term potential. “The striker position is the hardest to fill,” Arteta admitted earlier this year, a reality now testing Arsenal’s resolve as they navigate Profit and Sustainability Rules and fan expectations for a marquee signing.
The Gunners’ transfer woes extend beyond Sesko. Recent misses on targets like Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, now headed to Barcelona, and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, who has drawn Liverpool’s interest, have intensified scrutiny on Berta’s strategy. Despite securing Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi to bolster the midfield, Arsenal’s slow start to the window—compared to Liverpool’s aggressive moves—has sparked unrest. “It will definitely be a busy one for Arsenal,” defender Jurrien Timber said optimistically, reflecting the squad’s hope for reinforcements after a season marred by injuries. Fans, however, are growing restless, with one posting online, “Arsenal can’t afford to miss out on both Sesko and Gyokeres.”
As the transfer saga unfolds, Arsenal face a pivotal moment. Arteta’s vision of a title-contending squad hinges on landing a striker capable of delivering 20-plus goals a season, but Sesko’s demands and Leipzig’s hardball tactics threaten to derail the plan. Whether Berta can salvage the deal or pivot to Gyokeres will shape Arsenal’s season, with the Emirates a cauldron of anticipation and anxiety as the clock ticks down.
Leave a Reply