Arsenal are reportedly ready to press ahead with their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko with the player prepared to sign for the Gunners.
According to HITC, Arsenal are ready to intensify their efforts to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig ahead of the summer. The RB Leipzig striker, valued at around £55 million, is reportedly open to signing for the Gunners, with the deal expected to accelerate in the coming period.
Arsenal press ahead for Benjamin Sesko
Arsenal are ready to make their move for Benjamin Sesko ahead of the summer, as Mikel Arteta appears to have narrowed down on the striker. The Gunners have been in the market for a new centre-forward for some time now and may prefer to sign a young and emerging star over a more experienced, marquee professional in the position.
Sesko had a release clause of £43 million earlier. But multiple reports suggest that it may have bumped up to around £55 million. The Slovenian has been a superb signing for RB Leipzig, exploding onto the scene in the second period after a rather quiet first half of the campaign. Arsenal have been scouting him regularly, with the forward also scoring in the 2-2 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt when the observers were in the stands.
That goal was also his seventh consecutive strike in as many Bundesliga games, which may have convinced the Gunners. Sesko reportedly prefers Arsenal over other suitors like Chelsea and Manchester United. The latter duo have been linked with the £55 million-rated striker for some time.
But Mikel Arteta’s project and staying in the Champions League might have swung in Arsenal’s favour. So, while Chelsea and Manchester United are scouring the market for a striker, both clubs will struggle to land him.
Arsenal are now expected to take the next steps in their pursuit of the striker, as Arteta wants the deal wrapped up as soon as possible. However, rivals could re-enter the chase, something the Gunners would like to avoid in their quest to sign the Leipzig star.
Why are Arsenal pursuing Sesko?
The interest in Sesko might have come after much deliberation on finalising the type of player Arteta wants in the centre-forward role. For instance, they might have thought about signing a rather established striker in the summer. But Kai Havertz’s adaptation in the centre-forward role may have drastically changed the manager’s mind.
Hence, someone like Sesko could come in and probably replace Eddie Nketiah in the Gunners’ squad. He will still cost a lot for a third or second-choice striker. But it does look like Arsenal are willing to invest in the position for the long-term future, and Sesko may fit their profile requirements.