Journalist: Arsenal in ‘concrete talks’ to sign £74m forward | OneFootball

Arsenal Step Up Chase for Sesko After Arteta Approval

Striker priority driving summer strategy

Arsenal’s plans to reinforce their attack have accelerated, with Benjamin Sesko now firmly at the top of their list. According to Florian Plettenberg, the Gunners are in concrete talks with RB Leipzig for the Slovenian forward, and crucially, Mikel Arteta has signed off on the move.

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“Arsenal are now in concrete talks with RB Leipzig regarding Benjamin #Sesko!” Plettenberg posted. “While Arsenal are also monitoring other strikers such as Viktor Gyökeres, their pursuit of Sesko is serious. Mikel Arteta is a big admirer of the 21 y/o forward from RB Leipzig. His release clause for the summer stands at €80 million.”

That clause, equating to around £67 million, reflects Leipzig’s firm stance on the player’s value. However, Arsenal appear undeterred, and Plettenberg’s latest update on May 29 confirms the deal is now in motion: “Arsenal and Benjamin Sesko, deal on! Mikel Arteta wants him!”

Sporting director’s role proving pivotal

The involvement of Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta and executive Marcel Schäfer has been instrumental. Their work behind the scenes has streamlined the club’s shortlist, narrowing it to two: Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres. With Sesko now the favoured target, the club’s internal momentum has clearly shifted in his direction.

Photo: IMAGO

Contact was made with Sesko’s representatives back in April, signalling a long-term admiration. The fact that talks are now advancing at club level indicates mutual interest, with Arsenal aware that full payment of the €80 million release clause will be required.

Youth, physicality, and ceiling appeal to Arsenal

At 21, Sesko fits Arsenal’s preferred profile — a young, mobile striker capable of evolving into an elite-level No. 9 under Arteta’s stewardship. Scoring 21 goals for Leipzig this past season, the Slovenian has showcased consistency in the Bundesliga and the physical traits required to adapt to the Premier League.

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As reported by Rudy Galetti, Arsenal are “seriously considering investing in a young striker with great potential and, for sure, Sesko fits their idea.” The Gunners are prepared to pay the full release clause, believing the investment is in line with the forward’s “real” value.

Gyokeres no longer primary target

While Gyokeres remains on the radar, it now seems likely he will move elsewhere. Manchester United have maintained interest, and with Arsenal focused squarely on Sesko, the pathway may open up for United to make their own move.

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The Gunners’ rapport with Leipzig — built on respect and patience, especially after not pursuing Sesko in January — could prove advantageous in sealing terms swiftly.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This is the type of move that feels like a statement. Benjamin Sesko is not just another young striker with potential — he’s one of the most coveted rising talents in Europe, and Arsenal getting him feels like a huge coup.

Arteta giving this the green light tells you everything. He’s meticulous about character and tactical fit. That approval means Sesko isn’t just a data-driven target — he’s someone the manager truly believes in. And honestly, watching the way he plays — the hold-up ability, the movement, the hunger — you can see how he’d slot perfectly into this Arsenal side.

This is not a short-term fix, it’s a long-term investment in a title-winning structure. If Sesko becomes what many believe he can, Arsenal fans may well look back on this as the transfer that helped define the next era of their clubs rise.