Benjamin Sesko to Arsenal latest after Mikel Arteta preference emerges

The first transfer window of the summer has been open for less than a week, but the rumour mill is already in full swing.

While Arsenal are reportedly close to signing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, strengthening the forward line remains a key priority for Mikel Arteta ahead of next season. It’s therefore no surprise to see the Gunners linked with a wide range of forwards and wingers.

Whether it’s Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko or Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal appear to have drawn up a shortlist of attacking talent. Who exactly arrives before pre-season begins in July remains to be seen.

With that in mind, football.london have taken a closer look at the latest developments surrounding Sesko, who seems to have emerged as Arsenal’s top attacking target…

Arteta’s preference emerges

Sesko is the leading candidate to join Arsenal this summer, according to a report from The Independent. The article claims the club entered the transfer window essentially deciding between Sesko and Gyokeres, but there is now a belief at the Emirates that the former represents the more complete package.

At 22, Sesko is four years younger than Gyokeres, suggesting he may have a higher ceiling than his Swedish counterpart. Within the club, there’s a feeling that missing out on Sesko now could prove to be like passing on another Alexander Isak.

It’s also been suggested that Gyokeres is overpriced at £60 million, while Sesko, being nearly five years younger, could be signed in a package worth £75 million.

Formal ‘approach’ made

Further underlining their interest, Sky in Germany reported on Friday that Arsenal have now formally approached RB Leipzig over a potential deal for Sesko, signalling he is their primary target. It’s claimed the club’s hierarchy are currently exploring the conditions required to strike a deal.

While no formal bid has been submitted yet, Arsenal have held a long-term interest in the striker. There were suggestions the Gunners wanted to sign him in the January window, but he remained in Germany due to a gentleman’s agreement with Leipzig to stay until at least the summer.

Arsenal’s interest reportedly dates back 12 months, even before the 2024/25 campaign began, after Sesko impressed for Slovenia at Euro 2024. However, he chose instead to extend his contract at Leipzig, signing a new deal until the summer of 2029.

Leipzig request

Adding to speculation around a potential move, RB Leipzig have reportedly asked the Slovenian FA not to play Sesko in their upcoming friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday. The striker was not even on the bench for their narrow win over Luxembourg on Friday, meaning the request was honoured, at least for that match.

Although Sesko hasn’t been omitted from Matjaz Kek’s squad entirely, he has yet to train with the team and continues to be assessed by the federation’s medical staff. The request from Leipzig was made prior to the international window, but The Mirror notes that no guarantees have been given regarding his availability for Tuesday’s fixture, should he be declared fit.