Arsenal work on Benjamin Sesko deal after new talks twist – sources
Arsenal are plotting a move to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig and negotiations over his release clause are underway.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke explained that Leipzig are attempting to remove the release clause from his contract, making a deal more complicated.
The 21-year-old’s current release clause is reportedly valued at £42.5million.
Mikel Arteta is keen on bringing in a new striker to bolster the club’s attacking options alongside Kai Havertz ahead of next season, with Sesko his top target.
Viktor Gyokeres, 25, has also attracted attention, but Sporting CP are looking to keep hold of the forward and his price tag may be too high for the Gunners.
Football Insider first revealed on 23 May that Arsenal were plotting to land a deal for Sesko before the end of June, when his release clause is said to expire.
Arsenal want to complete Benjamin Sesko deal after new twist
Sesko joined the German outfit in a £20million deal from sister club RB Salzburg in 2023, featuring 42 times and scoring 18 goals to catch the eye of potential suitors after just one year.
14 of the Slovenia international’s 18 goals came in the Bundesliga where he made 31 appearances, while he has also found the net 11 times in 28 games for his county.
His scoring form picked up towards the end of the season, having initially struggled with just two goals in his first 15 league games for Leipzig, before his end-of-season form saw him find the net in each of his last seven games.
Sesko only failed to provide a goal or an assist in three of his club’s final 16 Bundesliga games.
It is that form which attracted the eyes of Arteta and Arsenal among other suitors from across Europe, with the Gunners now determined to land his signature.
Arteta’s side have suffered well-publicised issues up front despite the late form shown by Havertz, with Sesko viewed as the solution to their striker problem.
In other news, Man United have been warned Kobbie Mainoo could suffer if Erik ten Hag stays.
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