Arsenal have reportedly run into headwinds in their bid to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko with one issue proving difficult to resolve.
Arsenal's pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has reportedly hit a snag due to the player's wage demands.
The Gunners are eager to bolster their attack this summer and have identified the 22-year-old Slovenian as their primary target.
Sesko, valued at £70 million, has been on Arsenal's radar for some time. The club reportedly had bids rejected for him last summer and in January. Having finished second in the Premier League for the third consecutive season, Arsenal are determined to strengthen their forward line.
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While Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres, valued at around £60 million, is considered a backup option, Sesko remains the priority. However, according to reports, Sesko's wage expectations are significantly higher than what Arsenal had budgeted, potentially jeopardizing the deal.
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Will Arsenal Meet Sesko’s Wage Demands?
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Gyokeres, though aware he is not Arsenal's first choice, is keen on a Premier League move after a prolific season with Sporting, where he tallied 53 goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances. Sporting are reportedly open to selling, and Arsenal's sporting director, Andrea Berta, is determined to secure one of his top targets.
Amidst the transfer speculation surrounding Sesko, who has also attracted interest from other top European clubs and reportedly rejected an offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, his agent, Elvis Basanovic, recently addressed the situation.
"Even if there is a strong desire from the player to move to a certain club, we will never force or blackmail RB Leipzig," Basanovic told GiveMeSport. "I believe this is not the right way, because how you leave a club reflects your values. These are the values you bring to a new club."
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Berta is under pressure to ensure the club doesn't miss out on both of their striking targets.