Transfer News: Benjamin Sesko Draws Arsenal’s Gaze Amid £85.5m Price Tag

RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko | Imago

Transfer News: Benjamin Sesko Draws Arsenal’s Gaze Amid £85.5m Price Tag

Festus Chuma 07:38 - 18.06.2025

Arsenal explore striker options with interest in Benjamin Sesko as transfer talks begin; Leipzig set a high valuation.

RB Leipzig want a deal worth somewhere between £68.4m (€80m) and £85.5m (€100m) for star striker Benjamin Sesko, as Arsenal weigh up a move for the prolific 22-year-old forward.

According to Sky in Germany, the Bundesliga club are open to letting Sesko leave this summer following their failure to qualify for next season's Champions League.

The Gunners have already held preliminary talks with Leipzig to explore the conditions of a potential deal, but have yet to submit a formal offer.

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains keen to strengthen his attacking options ahead of a crucial Premier League campaign and return to Champions League football.

“Sesko is understood to be relaxed about the situation and will not rock the boat to force a move,” Sky Sports News reported, noting that the player is attracted by the prospect of joining Arsenal.

The Slovenian international is also said to be flattered by Arsenal's consistent interest in him.

Arsenal’s Striker Hunt: Sesko, Isak, and Gyokeres

Arsenal’s admiration for Sesko is nothing new. The North London club reportedly considered a move in January but were held back by a gentleman's agreement between the player’s camp and Leipzig to stay put until this summer.

Last year, the Gunners also made an approach, but Sesko instead extended his Leipzig contract until 2029.

Despite the long-term deal, Leipzig are prepared to negotiate his departure—especially now that they’re outside of Europe's top competition.

The club are benchmarking their valuation using the likes of Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak as comparables. Sesko's tally of 21 goals and six assists across all competitions last season, including four in the Champions League, only strengthens Leipzig’s stance.

Sky Sports News’ Lyall Thomas confirmed that Arsenal have made Sesko one of their top three striker targets this summer, alongside Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres.

However, Isak appears an unlikely option given Newcastle’s reluctance to sell and the size of his potential fee.

Gyokeres and Other Arsenal Options

Viktor Gyokeres remains on Arsenal’s radar, though Sporting CP have firmly denied receiving any offers for the Swedish forward. Club president Frederico Varandas also dismissed any claims of a gentleman’s agreement allowing Gyokeres to move for £59m (€70m).

Meanwhile, Manchester United have made initial contact with Gyokeres through intermediaries, and Juventus are also reportedly monitoring the 26-year-old. Gyokeres himself attempted to play down the speculation in a recent Instagram post: “There is a lot of talks at the moment, most of it is false. I will speak when the time is right.”

While the Gunners assess their striking options, they continue to track other key positions. Arsenal retain interest in Real Madrid’s Rodrygo for the winger role, and are growing in confidence about finalising a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

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As the transfer window heats up, Arsenal’s strategy seems focused yet flexible, with the club prepared to pivot depending on negotiations.

For now, Sesko remains a central figure in their plans—and with Leipzig open to discussions, the stage may be set for a major move in the coming weeks.