Arsenal continue to be linked with a move for Benjamin Sesko. The RB Leipzig striker has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for a while now as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his frontline in the summer transfer window.
Sesko, who sees his contract at the Red Bull Arena expire in June 2029, featured 33 times in the Bundesliga this season, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists. Despite his best efforts, the German outfit failed to qualify for either of UEFA’s three competitions.
It’s the first time Leipzig haven’t finished in the top-four in six years, and the first time they’ve missed out on Europe altogether since their promotion to the top-flight in 2016. So, they could be forced to offload some of their prized assets to generate some income.
According to German outlet BILD, Leipzig are willing to open negotiations for Sesko at €70m (£59m), but they’re aiming to rake in €100m (£84m). The report claims that Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in signing the Slovenia international, but they face tough competition from Juventus and AC Milan.
It’s said that the Gunners are currently leading the race for his signature, having ‘positioned themselves’ to wrap up a deal. BILD have added that Sesko missed training on Tuesday due to a ‘slight knee irritation’, and he’ll miss Leipzig’s friendly against Santos on Wednesday and it is reported they will take no risks with their star player with a move expected to happen.
Last week, Sesko posted an emotional statement on social media. The Slovenian said: “It’s been a difficult season for us. Sometimes in football things don’t go as we all want, and we all take responsibility for that.
“Fighting for RB Leipzig shirt, badge, colours this season has been once again a massive honour, a source of pride. Thanks to the fans for your support during the season!”
football.london understands that Arsenal were interested in signing Sesko last year, but talks never reached an advanced stage. He wanted to resolve his future at RB Leipzig before Euro 2024, but the Gunners couldn’t commit to a deal with Eddie Nketiah still at the club.
By the time the Hale End graduate eventually left, Sesko had already penned a contract extension at the Red Bull Arena. Despite missing out, football.london understands that the north Londoners have continued to monitor the Slovenian’s progress, and they remain keen on securing his signature – even if his stock has fallen a little.
Sesko isn’t the only striker on Arsenal’s shortlist; Andrea Berta also has his eye on Viktor Gyokeres. As it stands, it remains to be seen who the Gunners will pursue, but Arteta has made it pretty clear what type of forward he wants to sign.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Arsenal’s clash against Southampton, the Spaniard claimed that he wants to ‘add goals and creativity’ to his squad this summer. He said: “What is clear with the amount of injuries we had in the front line is that we need a goal threat.
“We need the firepower out there, and understanding that the context can change tomorrow. We cannot rely just on the numbers we had before. We have to add goals, we have to add creativity, we have to add numbers and that will be in different positions.”
On whether he has an idea of how many players he wants to bring in, Arteta grinned and replied: “Yes.”
Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london’s dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!
By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.
To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!
If you’re curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.
