Arsenal are now in concrete talks with RB Leipzig over summer deal for Benjamin Sesko
Arsenal are now in concrete talks with RB Leipzig over a summer deal for their striker Benjamin Sesko, according to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.
The Gunners sporting director, Andrea Berta, and his Leipzig counterpart, Marcel Schafer, have both been in touch, with manager Mikel Arteta a big admirer of the 21-year-old Slovenia international.
Sesko has a release clause of €80 million and it is unknown whether Arsenal have plans to activate it when the summer transfer window opens.
The 6ft 5in striker was a target for the Gunners last summer and has continued to impress, with 21 goals and six assists to his name in 45 appearances so far this season after ending last season with 18 goals and two assists.
Sesko is excellent in aerial duels and scoring headers, but he is also very comfortable with the ball at his feet and is a proven dribbler.
Arsenal appear to admire the Slovenian and he could prove to be the final piece of the puzzle in their bid to win their first Premier League title since 2004 next year.
Sesko was one of the strongest runners in the Bundesliga this term, ranking 7th after totalling 875 sprints at the end of the season, and his work rate will come in handy at the North London club.
He could be open to leaving the German top-flight this summer, but he may need assurances of a guaranteed place in the Arsenal starting XI before he agrees to a move.
Sesko opted to remain with Leipzig last summer, signing a new contract despite giving serious consideration towards joining Arsenal.
He held reservations over whether he would be a regular in their starting XI and was reluctant to join them amid concerns he would be second-choice to Kai Havertz.
Arsenal made it clear at the time that Sesko would not be guaranteed to play ahead of the Germany international, and it remains to be seen whether Arteta has changed his mind.
