HERE WE GO: Arsenal finally confirmed first summer transfer signing as aggressive striker joins on long-term deal
Arsenal are preparing to make an initial bid for their long-standing striker target Benjamin Sesko, journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed.
The Gunners could reportedly soon step up their interest in the Slovenia international with an official proposal, having identified him as one of the top targets to play at number nine next season.
Sesko has a release clause worth €80m (£67m) this summer, which would make him one of the most expensive arrivals at the Emirates, but Jacobs expects Arsenal to try to negotiate a lower fee.
The RB Leipzig striker was heavily linked with a North London move last summer before he penned a new four-year deal with the Bundesliga club.
Arsenal to Step Up Benjamin Sesko Pursuit
Set to make a bid for the 22-year-old striker
Jacobs, speaking on talkSPORT, has revealed that Arsenal could soon step up their interest in Sesko with an official bid, and are also working towards Viktor Gyokeres as another striker option:
“I think it looks like they’re going to make a bid for Benjamin Sesko. Although Viktor Gyokeres is also being worked on simultaneously. That is normal because there’s so much competition for strikers.
“Nobody can necessarily go all-in on one name, but we’re seeing a domino effect, Liam Delap is going to Chelsea and now Arsenal need to make their move.
“So much legwork has been done on Benjamin Sesko. He has a variable release clause. At the moment it’s around €80m, but I think Arsenal would like to try to negotiate something a bit lower.”
Sesko, whose wage demands reportedly stand at £200,000 per week, is coming off a career-best season in Germany with 21 goals and six assists in 45 appearances across all competitions.
The 22-year-old, praised as ‘Mbappe-esque’, is believed to have several suitors in the Premier League after his impressive campaign, with Liverpool and Manchester United among the clubs linked in recent days.
Arsenal are expected to announce Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi as their first summer signing, having reached an agreement in principle with the Euro 2024 winner last month.
The Gunners will reportedly pay the Spain international’s release clause, which stands at €60m (£51m).
