Arsenal officially open talks to sign £67m striker following internal agreement

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Arsenal have entered negotiations with RB Leipzig over the potential signing of striker Benjamin Sesko, according to reports from Germany, as the Gunners step up their pursuit of a new forward ahead of the summer transfer window.

Manager Mikel Arteta has made the addition of a top-class striker a key priority, with the club drawing up a shortlist that includes Sporting CP star Viktor Gyökeres and Leipzig’s Sesko. However, recent developments suggest Sesko has emerged as Arsenal’s primary target.

Sky Germany reports that RB Leipzig are open to selling Sesko following a disappointing campaign that saw them finish seventh in the Bundesliga and miss out on European competition. The club is expected to take a financial hit and may be forced to offload key players to balance the books.

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Talks have already taken place between Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schäfer and Arsenal’s newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta. The German club are reportedly demanding over €80 million (£67 million) for the 21-year-old Slovenia international, who joined from RB Salzburg for €24 million (£20.6 million) just last year.

Sesko scored 21 goals in 45 appearances this season and has a release clause that has now risen to over £67 million, triggered by his performances — including goals, assists, and appearances.

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Meanwhile, Sporting CP’s Gyökeres, who has scored an astonishing 53 goals in 51 games this season, is also on Arsenal’s radar. The Swedish striker has helped Sporting win the Primeira Liga and could yet add the Portuguese Cup, with a final clash against Benfica scheduled for Saturday. However, interest from Manchester United and the player’s desire to stay in Lisbon — reportedly confirmed by his uncle — may have shifted Arsenal’s focus back to Sesko.

Speaking earlier this month, Sesko kept his options open when asked about his future, saying: “We’ll see what happens. It’s open, anything can happen.”

With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Arsenal appear ready to act quickly to secure their preferred option and reinforce their attack ahead of the 2025/26 season.

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