Arsenal Struggle to Agree Personal Terms with Top Target | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Summer Search for a Striker: Sesko Saga Puts Pressure on Arteta’s Plans

Sesko Talks Stalling Over Salary Demands

Arsenal’s ambition to bring Benjamin Sesko to north London is running into predictable summer turbulence. According to The Mirror, the Gunners are “growing frustrated with Benjamin Sesko over his wage demands” as Mikel Arteta looks to secure his prime target up front. The Slovenian striker is viewed as Arsenal’s marquee addition, with the club ready to meet RB Leipzig’s £70 million valuation.

What’s causing the delay, however, is not the transfer fee but the numbers on Sesko’s contract. The negotiations “are not going smoothly due to his desired salary”, and his representatives are said to be holding out for a significantly larger pay package than Arsenal are currently willing to sanction.

Back-Up Options Being Explored

Sporting director Andrea Berta appears to be keeping doors open, just in case. “Sesko’s camp are looking to land a big pay day and want more than Arsenal are preparing to shell out.

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That could mean a pivot to Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres. The Swede, who has had a prolific season in Portugal, “is determined to leave” this summer. Although Gyokeres knows “he isn’t Arsenal’s first choice”, his ability is not in question and he remains firmly on Manchester United’s radar. Arsenal’s leverage lies in Champions League qualification, which could tilt negotiations their way.

Forward Fix Long Overdue

It is no secret that Arsenal have not prioritised signing a top-class striker in recent windows. That decision backfired last season as “Kai Havertz’s finishing let him down at points” and injuries ravaged the squad. The result? Another year without silverware and a third consecutive miss in the title race.

Now, Arteta’s side not only need a proven finisher but also squad depth to mount a credible challenge. The pressure is rising with other targets such as Nico Williams edging closer to Barcelona, while defender Marc Guehi is “on Liverpool’s radar” and hesitant about game time at the Emirates.

Dressing Room Optimism Amid Uncertainty

Despite these challenges, belief remains within the camp. Jurrien Timber struck an upbeat tone on the Matchday podcast, stating, “It will definitely be a busy one for Arsenal. I think we will get a lot of players, because we had so many injuries last season.” That sentiment underscores the urgency for action, not just ambition, in the market.

Our View – EPL Index

There’s a growing sense of unease among Arsenal supporters reading about the Sesko stalemate. Not because the club are pursuing the wrong type of player – far from it. A 21-year-old with pace, strength and a natural instinct in front of goal is exactly what this side needs. But the concern lies in the familiar pattern. Arsenal circle their top target, hesitate over wages or structure, and ultimately pivot to a second-choice option.

Sesko reportedly demanding more than the club will pay is frustrating, especially when top-four rivals show greater flexibility. If Arsenal are serious about bridging the gap to Manchester City, now’s not the time for indecision.

Gyokeres is a capable alternative but feels like a contingency plan rather than a genuine top target. There’s also worry over missing out on Nico Williams and the long-standing issue of defensive depth. If Marc Guehi feels uncertain about minutes, what message does that send to future arrivals?

Timber’s optimism is refreshing, but actions speak louder. If Edu and Berta are negotiating “multiple deals simultaneously just in case”, it might be time to commit decisively. Fans want to believe this summer will be different. But with deals stalling and targets drifting, doubt is beginning to creep in again.