Arsenal Gets Major Update on Superstar Striker Sesko
Arsenal fans may finally be able to breathe a little easier when it comes to their club’s hunt for a new No. 9. After months of speculation, reports from Germany now claim that the Gunners have reached an agreement on personal terms with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, a huge step forward in what’s been a long-running pursuit.
The Slovenian forward, just 22 years old, has been a name on Arsenal’s radar for over a year now. Last summer, they were keen on bringing him in for around £55 million, but Sesko ended up committing his future to Leipzig, signing a fresh five-year contract that runs until 2029. At the time, it felt like a setback, one of many Arsenal have faced in the striker market over the years. But now, with the 2024/25 season wrapped up and the transfer window officially open, things are finally starting to move in the right direction.
A Verbal Nod from Sesko
According to BILD, Sesko has given Arsenal the green light on personal terms, meaning, from the player’s side, he’s all in. That alone is significant. Plenty of transfer sagas get stuck in the mud because of wage demands or contract disagreements. But in this case, it looks like Arsenal and Sesko are aligned. There’s a mutual belief that the Emirates is the right place for him to take the next step in his career.
Mikel Arteta has built one of Europe’s most exciting young squads, and the only real hole in the starting XI remains up front. With Gabriel Jesus struggling for fitness and consistency, and Kai Havertz playing more as a false nine than a true striker, there’s a genuine opportunity for Sesko to come in and make the role his own.
Of course, personal terms are only half the battle. Arsenal still needs to agree on a fee with Leipzig, and that’s where things could get tricky, but there’s reason for optimism. Multiple outlets report that Arsenal are prepared to offer a fee within the region of £68.5 million to £85.5 million. Leipzig has made it clear they expect top money for their star forward, and it looks like Arsenal is finally ready to pay up.
Timing is Everything
One thing that’s become clear is that Arsenal wants this deal done quickly. With pre-season just a few weeks away, Arteta is keen to have his squad settled early, not only to build chemistry but also because the club has lined up a string of high-profile friendlies. The Gunners are set to face AC Milan and Newcastle United in Singapore, and then go head-to-head with rivals Tottenham in Hong Kong. Having a new striker in during those matches could be crucial to hitting the ground running once the Premier League kicks off again.
There’s also the added bonus of beating out the competition. Chelsea and Manchester United have both shown interest in Sesko, but Arsenal have clearly moved first and fastest. It appears their early approach is paying off, especially since Sesko himself sees the Emirates as the ideal next step.
The Slovenian finished the 2024/25 season with 21 goals in 45 appearances for Leipzig, and across his two years in the Bundesliga, he’s racked up 27 goals in 64 league matches. Those are strong numbers, especially considering he’s still developing. He’s not just a poacher either, standing at nearly 6’5”, Sesko is a physical presence who can stretch defenses, hold up play, and get on the end of crosses. That blend of athleticism and raw finishing ability is exactly what Arsenal have been lacking since the peak years of Olivier Giroud.
Gyokeres Links Fade Away
What’s also interesting is that Sesko now appears to be the club’s clear first-choice target, ahead of Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish striker had been heavily linked to Arsenal recently, especially after an unbelievable season in Portugal, where he scored 54 goals in 52 games. Gyokeres was reportedly open to joining Arsenal over Manchester United, but the Gunners have decided to go all-in on Sesko instead.
That decision, while bold, makes sense. At 22, Sesko fits the profile of Arsenal’s project. He’s young, hungry, and has plenty of room to grow. He also won’t demand immediate status as a guaranteed starter, which gives Arteta room to rotate, develop him gradually, and avoid upsetting the squad’s balance.
For now, all eyes turn to the next step, which is agreeing to a deal with Leipzig. If that can be wrapped up in the coming days, Arsenal will have their new striker locked in well before pre-season, and for once, it feels like everything is falling into place at just the right time.
