Frank Christian
It’s become quite clear that Arsenal is gearing up to secure a new striker during this summer transfer window. The Gunners are on the lookout for a player who can consistently find the back of the net.
The North London club has compiled a list of top strikers currently available and aims to entice one of them to the Emirates Stadium.
According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal has initiated solid discussions with RB Leipzig attacker Benjamin Sesko. The club has long targeted the striker and is making another attempt following a previous unsuccessful pursuit last season.
Reports suggest that Mikel Arteta holds Sesko in high regard, prompting an approach to Leipzig in January, which was ultimately rebuffed. Later on, Sesko signed a new four-year deal with Leipzig.
However, with Leipzig’s failure to secure a Champions League place for the upcoming season, the situation has drastically shifted, increasing the likelihood of Sesko’s departure from the Bundesliga this summer.
The 21-year-old possesses all the qualities of a top goalscorer, having enjoyed a commendable season with Leipzig, scoring 21 goals and registering six assists in 45 appearances across various competitions.
What is Sesko’s transfer fee?
Following a contract extension, Leipzig is under no pressure to let the striker go and, as reported by Telegraph, they are asking for a staggering £92.5 million for the promising forward.
Nonetheless, the Bundesliga club is willing to negotiate, and Arsenal hopes to finalize the deal in the ballpark of £60-70 million. Successfully lowering the fee could be beneficial for addressing their long-term attacking needs.
In addition to Sesko, Arsenal has also shown interest in Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP and Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. Currently, Sesko appears to be the most feasible option.
It seems improbable that a player of Alvarez’s stature would be available after just one season at Atletico Madrid. On the other hand, Gyokeres may come at a lower price than Sesko but is five years younger and could serve as a lasting solution for the North London side.
Updates on Arsenal and related topics
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- Arsenal expected to miss out on AS Roma’s defensive key player
