Arsenal’s quest to sign a marquee striker for the 2025/26 Premier League season has taken a decisive turn, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko emerging as the frontrunner to spearhead Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing squad. The 22-year-old Slovenian, whose 39 goals in 87 appearances for Leipzig have showcased his raw potential, is reportedly within Arsenal’s grasp after the Gunners secured personal terms with the towering forward. However, while the path to signing Sesko appears clear, his youth and unfinished skill set present both an opportunity and a challenge for a club desperate to end their 22-year wait for a Premier League crown.
Sesko’s meteoric rise has made him one of Europe’s most coveted young talents. Standing at 6-foot-5, he combines blistering pace, aerial dominance, and a knack for spectacular goals, drawing comparisons to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak. His 21 goals last season, including a stunning 40-yard lob against Freiburg, underlined his ability to deliver in the Bundesliga. Arsenal, who scored a meager 69 goals in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, see Sesko as a dynamic addition to their attack. Arteta, eager to make a “big splash” in the transfer market, has prioritized a No. 9 to complement stars like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, and Sesko’s availability has been boosted by Leipzig’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.
Negotiations have progressed swiftly, with Arsenal agreeing on personal terms with Sesko, who is reportedly “open” to the move. Leipzig, however, are holding firm at a £67.4 million valuation, a significant but negotiable sum for a player whose contract runs until 2028. Sesko’s agent, Elvis Basanovic, has emphasized a respectful approach, stating, “Even if there may be—or will be—a strong desire of the player to move to a certain club, we will never force or blackmail RB Leipzig.” This professionalism has endeared Sesko to Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, especially in contrast to the messy saga surrounding Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, whose £80 million price tag and ongoing dispute with his club have cooled the Gunners’ interest.
Despite the optimism, Sesko’s relative inexperience raises questions about his readiness to lead Arsenal’s title charge. “He’s not the finished article,” a transfer insider noted, highlighting his need to improve his hold-up play and consistency in front of goal. Sesko’s 44% shot conversion rate last season was impressive but lagged behind Gyokeres’ prolific 54 goals in Portugal. Critics point to his occasional struggles against physical defenders and his limited playmaking, with only six assists last term. “He’s a project player,” another source added, suggesting that while Sesko’s ceiling is sky-high, he may require patience to reach the level of elite strikers like Erling Haaland.
Arteta, however, is undeterred, viewing Sesko as a long-term investment who can grow alongside Arsenal’s youthful core. The Spaniard’s success in developing talents like Gabriel Martinelli and William Saliba bodes well for Sesko, who thrives in high-pressing systems. “Sesko is not competing with anyone,” Basanovic declared. “It’s him vs him every day. We have a clear plan for the future.” This mindset aligns with Arsenal’s vision of building a dynasty, especially after their recent £51 million signing of midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The transfer race isn’t without competition. Bayern Munich, seeing Sesko as a potential successor to Harry Kane, and Chelsea, who previously held talks, remain in the mix. Yet, Arsenal’s advanced negotiations and Sesko’s reported preference for Champions League football give them the edge. The Gunners’ early season fixtures against Liverpool and Manchester City amplify the urgency to secure a striker capable of delivering in big moments, and Sesko’s ability to score from distance and exploit counterattacks could prove pivotal.
Sesko’s camp remains coy, with Basanovic noting, “It could be next week, or next year, or in three years,” but Arsenal are pushing to finalize the deal before the window closes. The Slovenian’s decision to snub Saudi Pro League offers and focus on Europe’s top stage reflects his ambition, a trait Arteta values. As Arsenal prepare for a grueling campaign, Sesko’s potential signing represents a bold bet on youth and upside, promising to ignite the Emirates with goals and glimpses of greatness, even if the polish is still to come.
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