Arsenal's pursuit of a new striker has hit a snag as RB Leipzig reportedly stands firm on their valuation of Benjamin Sesko. The Gunners have identified the Slovenian forward as a key target to bolster their attacking options for the upcoming season, but the German club's reluctance to budge on their asking price is proving to be a significant hurdle.
Arsenal's interest in Sesko is no secret, with reports indicating that the club has been monitoring the player for quite some time. Mikel Arteta has publicly stated the need to add more firepower to his squad, highlighting the importance of bringing in a goal-scoring threat to complement the existing attacking players. Sesko, with his impressive goal-scoring record in the Bundesliga, fits the profile of the player Arsenal are looking for. Last season, he scored 13 goals and provided five assists in the Bundesliga.
However, RB Leipzig are in a strong negotiating position. They are reportedly willing to sell Sesko this summer, but only if their valuation is met. The German club is hoping to secure a fee in the region of £70 million for the 22-year-old, a price that Arsenal may find difficult to justify.
The high asking price is not the only challenge Arsenal face in their pursuit of Sesko. Other clubs are also reportedly interested in the striker, which could drive up the price even further. Al Hilal have also emerged as a potential suitor for Sesko, posing a significant threat to Arsenal's plans. The Saudi club, known for their financial muscle, could potentially outbid Arsenal and lure the Slovenian forward to the Middle East.
Despite these challenges, Arsenal remain determined to sign Sesko. The club's hierarchy believes that he is the right player to lead the line and provide the goals needed to compete for major trophies. Arsenal have reportedly already agreed on personal terms with Sesko, demonstrating their commitment to securing his services.
The situation is further complicated by RB Leipzig's financial situation. The club missed out on European qualification for the upcoming season, which could put them under pressure to sell some of their prized assets to fund a rebuild. Sesko and Xavi Simons are two players that Leipzig may consider selling to raise funds.
Arsenal have explored other striker targets, including Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins and Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres. However, Sesko remains the preferred option, and the club is working hard to find a solution that satisfies all parties involved.
The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether Arsenal can overcome these obstacles and secure the signing of Benjamin Sesko. The club's determination to strengthen their attack is clear, but they must find a way to negotiate a deal that is both financially viable and attractive to the player.
