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Arsenal have a long-standing interest in RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, and they could trigger the release clause in his contract this summer.
There was talk of the Gunners signing the Slovenian forward last summer, but Sesko opted to extend his stay in Leipzig ahead of Euro 2024. Arsenal then opted against signing a forward for the remainder of the window, and they remarkably failed to acquire a body in the winter despite losing Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus to injury.
Gabriel Martinelli suffered a setback just before deadline day, while Kai Havertz sustained a season-ending hamstring injury last month. As a result, Mikel Arteta currently has four attacking options fit and available for three spots in his frontline. It's a dire situation, and one the club protects itself from in the future.
Arsenal may have to pay more than expected for Benjamin Sesko
🚨🚀 EXCL | Until now, there had only been talk of a verbal agreement, but Benjamin #Sesko has a formally fixed release clause in his contract until 2029. This clause can be activated starting this summer.
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) March 3, 2025
It is tied to various parameters – such as games played, goals, and… pic.twitter.com/sWhzlwZC6w
There's talk of a seismic summer in north London, and reports of Arsenal's interest in hiring Andrea Berta as sporting director should excite supporters if the club aims to conduct a couple of mega deals ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The Gunners will sign at least one striker, and Sesko is expected to be an option the club once again considers. They did at least test the waters in January, but Leipzig had no interest in selling the striker mid-season.
Sesko has ten Bundesliga goals this season and is aiming to top last season's haul of 14. He's a thrilling talent, but one who needs a little bit of nurturing to reach the very top. Arsenal won't have to pay an Alexander Isak-like fee to sign him this summer, but they will have to pay a pretty penny.
Florian Plettenberg writes that the striker has officially agreed to the release clause in his Leipzig contract which is active until 2029 - starting this summer. The clause currently stands at around €70m, but that figure is likely to rise. The size of the clause is dependent on several factors, including 'games played, goals, and assists', according to Plettenberg. It could rise to at least €80m by the time the transfer window opens.
If Arsenal regard Sesko as their number nine for the long haul, they may have to beat out fierce competition for his signature. Chelsea are sniffing around, Manchester United are in the striker market, and Bayern Munich can never be completely ruled out when a notable talent from the Bundesliga is on the market.