With Mikel Arteta and Gunners hoping to add to the attacking choices ahead of the 2024/25 season, Arsenal have stepped up their chase for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško. Arteta and Gunners want a long-term solution at center-forward and Sesko is, reportedly, their main target. And while negotiations are said to be underway, the fans will want to know if the transfer can happen.
Arteta and Gunners have reportedly had talks with Leipzig regarding a potential deal for Šeško. Arsenal view Šeško as a cheaper option compared to other important targets that are in the realm of £100 million, such as Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres. Šeško signed a contract extension in May, and it was assumed that he would be at Leipzig for at least another season, but now that a release clause has been triggered, which is rumored to be about £55 million, a summer transfer may be available. Arsenal will trigger Šeško’s clause, however, there are ongoing discussions on payment arrangements and potential add-ons.
🚨 Arsenal are the only club in direct contacts for Benjamin Sesko. 🔴
Liverpool and Manchester United are both interested, but no formal contact has been made so far.
(Source: @FabrizioRomano) pic.twitter.com/FbS2nZUzrT
Chelsea and Manchester United have also been linked with Šeško. However, Arsenal remains as the leaders in the race. Apparently Šeško sees the Emirates as the best option because of Arteta’s project and the Champions League. Furthermore, Arsenal’s impressive project of developing young players, such as Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, may sway Šeško’s decisons.
Arteta intends to have a striker that can put pressure on the defenders, link the play, and who is capable of scoring every match. Although Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are capable as strikers, neither player is a reliable source of goals. Šeško would add an extra dimension because it gives a focal point in attack with his physicality and movement. His height also makes him a danger from set pieces, an area in which Arsenal are certainly better at, thanks to set-piece coach Nicolas Jover. With Saka, Ødegaard, and Leandro Trossard creating chances, Šeško would likely fit in well in North London.
🚨🔴⚪️ Understand Arsenal are now advancing in negotiations for Benjamin Šeško after initial concrete talks reported last week.
Discussions underway and proceeding well between all parties involved, player & clubs.
No agreement yet now or expected this weekend; but advancing. pic.twitter.com/ts98ABs1X2
While Arsenal are strong suitors, Leipzig don’t want to lose Šeško so soon after extending his contract. They likely will attempt to convince him to stay for another season, especially if they can increase the release clause for 2025. Another factor will be Šeško’s own decision-making. He is open to moving to the Premier League. But he may want to guarantee playing time, an area of concern with Jesus and Havertz still at the club. Arsenal could guarantee him starting minutes, especially given their need of a natural No. 9.
The next few days are important to see how Arsenal can finalize the move. If they trigger his release clause, personal terms should not be a concern. If Leipzig dig in though, and just as they’ve done in the past, they use their financial advantage into a battle of wills to keep a player. Then Arsenal may have to look elsewhere with names like Gyokeres or Jonathan David.
Benjamin Šeško is a smart long-term acquisition for Arsenal. He’s such a great combination of youth, physicality, and goalscoring instinct that he is an ideal candidate to lead the line for a long time. The negotiations are ongoing but the Gunners are pulling out all the stops to sign him. If it goes through, it could be one of the signings of the summer. Arteta will be having the striker to help mount another challenge for the Premier League title. The fans will be watching on with interest in the coming weeks.
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