Benjamin Sesko wants Arsenal as Gunners prepare £45m bid for RB Leipzig striker

Benjamin Sesko is keen on a move to Arsenal this summer, with the Gunners poised to send a £45m proposal to RB Leipzig.

Kai Havertz's stellar form during the second half of the season while operating as Mikel Arteta's frontman sparked rumours that the club would opt against signing a #9 ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Supporters had previously cried out for the addition of a new striker in the winter amid a profligate run of form, but Arsenal never came close to making a move given their FFP concerns. Havertz's run in front of goal has certainly thrown a spanner in the works, but given what's required to usurp Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, it'd be a major surprise if the Gunners didn't make a couple additions to their frontline.

And the man that's currently doing the rounds in transfer rumour mills is Sesko.

Benjamin Sesko wants Arsenal as Gunners prepare £45m bid for RB Leipzig striker

Sesko is being courted by several major European clubs, including Arsenal's Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United. The Slovenian international scored 14 Bundesliga goals in 2023/24 having recorded just 17 starts. It was his first campaign in one of Europe's top five leagues, and undoubtedly requires refinement before he can be regarded as an elite centre-forward.

However, Arsenal are seemingly willing to play the waiting game with Sesko. The Daily Mirror's John Cross writes that the Gunners are leading the race to sign the 20-year-old this summer, and are preparing to splash £45m to sign him.

The striker reportedly has a £55m release clause, but Leipzig are willing to listen to offers which don't reach that threshold.

Sesko is not the ready-made product that Victor Osimhen or Alexander Isak may be, but his potential is distinct. A towering forward who runs the channels superbly and is potent in front of goal, Sesko has the makings of a world beater, but he's not there yet. If Arsenal are intent on making the big leap for the title next season, they'll still likely be leaing on Havertz and Gabriel Jesus while the 20-year-old finds his feet.

Nevertheless, Havertz's emergence as a forward option has reduced the need for Arsenal to sign the 'finished product' this summer. They can buy potential.

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