DONE DEAL: South American aggressive striker finally completes Arsenal move as he become the Gunners first summer transfer signing- His squad number has been revealed and it’s a legendary shirt number
Arsenal continue to be busy planning their next moves, with five days remaining to register new players early doors before the first mini-window shuts on June 10.
Arsenal striker search ongoing with Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko targeted
The consensus among reliable media outlets is that Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko are Arsenal’s two priority striker targets – amid some whispers the club are still debating Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins as well (The Athletic).
As per the BBC and journalist Sami Mokbel, Arsenal are discussing the frameworks of deals for both Gyokeres and Sesko, before sporting Andrea Berta, Mikel Arteta and the Gunners’ recruitment team formally decide which number nine to go for.
What is absolutely non-negotiable, though, is the club’s glaring for a prolific striker.
Arsenal scored just 69 goals in the Premier League last season – a far cry from the 91 and 88 they’d scored in the previous two campaigns – and their struggle to break sides down resulted in them drawing more games than any other side in the top half.
The stats never lie, and these numbers tell a story that Arteta is in dire need of a vocal point up front.
One of Arsenal’s options, Sesko, is fresh off the back of 21 goals in all competitions, and “concrete talks” have been held. According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, they’re the “only” side to go this far, despite Man United’s interest.
Arsenal could advance Benjamin Sesko deal in “next few days”
Speaking on The Football Terrace this week, reliable journalist Ben Jacobs has shared an update on the north Londoners’ complex pursuit.
Arsenal could advance on a deal for Sesko in the next few days, but it would require Leipzig to be flexible on his asking price. The Gunners ideally want to strike an agreement for around £59 million, whereas his release clause is currently nearer the £70m mark.
“They’ve made contact with Leipzig in the last three days,” said Jacobs.
“They have discussed whether or not there is flexibility beneath the variable release clause, set at the moment around €80 million. That’s why that one’s taking time, because Arsenal want to do Sesko for €70 million, or within that ballpark.
“I think, if Leipzig show flexibility, there is a concrete possibility that one advances in the next few days. The earlier contact with Leipzig in January is very key to this, because they were respectful of the player wanting to see out the season, and of Leipzig not wanting to sell mid-season.
“That strengthens Arsenal’s position in Sesko negotiations, because now Leipzig have a good relationship with Arsenal.”
The Slovenia international is gaining a reputation as a very “underrated” option in the market, and while his goal record is modest, Sesko’s speed, power and height arguably make him tailor-made for Premier League football.
