Saudi Interest for Key Striker Grows After Arsenal Cool Pursuit | OneFootball

Arsenal Reconsider as Sesko Price Proves Too High

Arsenal’s pursuit of Benjamin Sesko has cooled, with TEAMtalk reporting that the Gunners have “struggled to meet Leipzig’s demands” for the prolific Slovenian striker. The report outlines how Mikel Arteta’s side, having identified Sesko as their top target after being rebuffed by Newcastle for Alexander Isak, have since shifted focus to another forward.

At just 22, Sesko has developed into one of Europe’s most promising strikers, scoring 21 goals in 45 appearances last season for RB Leipzig. His physical profile, eye for goal and technical ability had Arsenal interested, particularly as they prepare for a long-term solution up front following Gabriel Jesus’s injury-hit campaign.

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However, as TEAMtalk confirmed, “Arsenal struggled to meet Leipzig’s demands for the Slovenian goalscorer, while also holding concerns about the player’s wage demands.” The Bundesliga side are asking for over €90 million (£78m), a price that has raised eyebrows across Europe.

Gyokeres Move Underway

With the Sesko deal proving complicated, Arsenal have wasted little time switching gears. “Arsenal have therefore opened discussions to sign Viktor Gyokeres instead and have agreed a five-year contract with the Sweden ace,” TEAMtalk reported. Gyokeres, who has impressed at Sporting CP, offers a more cost-effective solution and is seen as more attainable within Arsenal’s current financial strategy.

Gyokeres brings a different profile to the table, known for his relentless pressing and powerful finishing. With a five-year deal reportedly agreed, Arsenal seem keen to move quickly to avoid further disruption to their summer planning.

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Al-Hilal and Italian Clubs Circle

Sesko may not be heading to north London this summer, but interest in him remains high. “Sources state that Al-Hilal have shown serious interest in Sesko. They made contact recently to ask for the conditions of a possible deal.” The Saudi club, armed with financial muscle and ambitions of luring European talent, appear willing to explore the parameters of a move.

Despite their intent, even clubs with deep pockets are wary of the structure required. “Leipzig continue to demand over €90million… This high price tag makes the transfer difficult for most interested clubs, even those from Saudi Arabia such as Al-Hilal.”

Two Serie A clubs have also expressed interest, though as TEAMtalk added, “the financial demands and contract structure are seen as too difficult at this stage.” No formal moves have materialised yet, and with Leipzig in no rush to sell, Sesko’s future hangs in the balance.

Waiting Game for Sesko

Sesko’s decision last summer to renew with Leipzig raised eyebrows, especially given his upward trajectory. His 18 goals in 42 matches during the 2022-23 season were followed by another stellar campaign in 2023-24. But his patience in not rushing a move may be tested again.

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“Sesko may have to wait another year to get such a move as the finances of the deal have warned interested clubs off.” With Leipzig under no pressure to sell, it will take a substantial offer or a shift in player ambition to trigger movement before the transfer window shuts.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Arsenal fans, there’s a hint of frustration but also a sense of realism in how this saga is playing out. Benjamin Sesko looked like the ideal profile to lead the line for years to come: strong, young, technically adept and already delivering goals in the Bundesliga. But when you’re demanding upwards of £78 million and big wages on top, even an ambitious club has to draw the line somewhere.

The Gunners have been burned before chasing unattainable targets. This feels like a wiser, more measured approach. Yes, Sesko is an exciting talent, but with Gyokeres seemingly in the door and more attainable in terms of finances, it suggests Arsenal are being smart about their resources rather than emotionally reactive.

Fans want elite signings, but they also don’t want to see the club back in a position of imbalance like the post-Wenger era. If Sesko really wants to play in the Premier League and not just chase the biggest cheque, he’ll wait. Maybe next summer, if his form continues and the price stabilises, Arsenal can return to the table. For now, it’s about building sustainably. That is the Arteta and Edu way.