Arsenal have shifted their attention to RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko after becoming increasingly frustrated with Sporting’s high transfer demands for Viktor Gyokeres. The Gunners had identified Gyokeres as their primary target following a season without silverware, but talks have stalled amid disagreements over his transfer fee.
Sporting’s president demands €80 million (£68 million) for Gyokeres, which Arsenal consider excessive for the 27-year-old striker who has no prior experience in Europe’s top five leagues. Meanwhile, the player’s agent disputes the club’s position, escalating tensions and prompting Arsenal to put their pursuit of Gyokeres on hold.
Instead, Arsenal are now keen on 22-year-old Sesko, who has caught the eye across Europe with 39 goals in 87 appearances for RB Leipzig. The Bundesliga club is reportedly asking for £70 million, a steep price that could spark a competitive transfer battle involving clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, AC Milan, and Juventus.
The Slovenian forward’s potential move to Arsenal faces competition from Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal, but Sesko’s national team coach has advised him against joining the Saudi league at this stage of his career, urging him to prioritize opportunities in Europe’s top clubs for long-term development and happiness.
Arsenal’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, is determined to add firepower to Mikel Arteta’s squad after criticism over previous transfer inactivity and key injuries to forwards Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz during the past season. The club also remains interested in Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, following a failed £60 million bid earlier in the year.
Sesko was included in Slovenia’s squad for recent friendlies but did not play to avoid injury amid ongoing transfer negotiations. He remains under contract with RB Leipzig until 2029, and Arsenal’s pursuit signals their ambition to secure a promising and dynamic striker for the upcoming campaign.