Arsenal have initiated discussions with RB Leipzig to secure the signature of Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko, as manager Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options ahead of the 2025-26 season. The 21-year-old forward, who has expressed his readiness to leave the Bundesliga side, has emerged as a top target for the Gunners following a trophyless campaign that highlighted their need for a prolific goalscorer.
Sesko, who joined Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg in 2023 for around £20 million, has impressed with his performances in Germany, scoring 21 goals and providing six assists across all competitions this season. Despite his contributions, Leipzig endured a disappointing seventh-place finish in the Bundesliga, missing out on European football for the first time since their promotion in 2016. This has fueled speculation about Sesko’s future, with the player himself indicating a desire to join a club that can maximize his potential. In a recent interview with German broadcaster Sport1, Sesko stated, “The club has given me a lot and continues to give me a lot every day. It’s a great club to develop at, but in the future, I want to play for a club that suits me, that brings out the best in me.”
The Gunners, under the guidance of new sporting director Andrea Berta, have moved quickly to position themselves at the forefront of the race for Sesko’s signature. Reports indicate that Berta recently met with Leipzig’s managing director, Marcel Schäfer, to discuss the structure of a potential deal. However, Leipzig are expected to demand a hefty fee, with estimates ranging from £59 million to as high as £92.5 million, reflecting Sesko’s long-term contract, which runs until 2029, and his status as one of Europe’s brightest young talents. Some sources suggest Arsenal could offer around €100 million to secure the deal, underscoring their determination to land the Slovenian star.
Arsenal’s interest in Sesko is not new. The club made inquiries last summer and again in January, but talks failed to progress to an advanced stage. Now, with Arteta giving the green light for concrete negotiations, the Gunners appear to be in pole position. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Arsenal have entered “concrete talks” with both Leipzig and Sesko’s representatives, with the player reportedly favoring a move to the Emirates Stadium. Posts on X have echoed this sentiment, with some claiming Sesko has already given his approval for the transfer, though such claims remain unverified.
The pursuit of Sesko comes as Arsenal aim to address their lack of firepower upfront. The 2024-25 season saw the Gunners struggle for goals, with no player in their squad reaching double figures in Premier League goals. Injuries to key forwards Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz further exposed the squad’s lack of depth, contributing to their fade in the title race despite a strong Champions League run, where they knocked out Real Madrid before falling to PSG in the semi-finals. Sesko, known for his physical presence, clinical finishing, and ability to link play, is seen as a potential solution to these issues and a statement signing for a club eager to end their trophy drought.
However, the deal is not without challenges. Leipzig’s high asking price and competition from other Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea, could complicate negotiations. Additionally, Arsenal have been linked with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, who is reportedly favored by Berta, though Arteta’s preference for Sesko appears to have shifted the club’s focus. The Gunners are also exploring other targets, such as Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sané, but Sesko remains their priority as they seek a defining acquisition to elevate their squad.