Arsenal are beginning to lose patience in their long-standing pursuit of Benjamin Sesko, with sources close to the negotiations confirming that the club has set a firm deadline for RB Leipzig to ease their stance on the striker’s transfer. If no breakthrough is achieved by June 15, the Gunners are prepared to walk away from the deal and pivot toward other targets.
Mikel Arteta has identified Sesko as a primary target to lead the Arsenal attack next season, with the club eager to bolster their forward line following three consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League. However, complications surrounding the player’s €80 million release clause have stalled talks, and Arsenal are unwilling to trigger that fee outright.
CaughtOffside has learned from several insiders within the football agency world that Arsenal have already reached a near-complete agreement with Sesko on personal terms. The proposed deal would see the 21-year-old commit to a contract running until 2030. Despite this progress, the deal hangs in the balance due to RB Leipzig’s reluctance to negotiate below the release clause.
Sources suggest that Sesko, despite attracting interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, remains committed to staying in Europe. His preference has always been to join a club competing in the Champions League, with Arsenal fitting that profile perfectly. Nevertheless, the Gunners are not prepared to be held to ransom.
As a contingency plan, Arsenal have stepped up talks with Sporting Lisbon over a move for Viktor Gyokeres. Discussions with the Swedish striker’s representatives are said to be progressing well, and the club views him as a viable alternative should the Sesko deal collapse. Like Sesko, Gyokeres is highly rated within the Arsenal scouting network and offers a different skillset with his more physical, direct style of play.
Renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed Arsenal’s dual-track approach recently, stating that Sesko remains “very high” on the club’s shortlist, but Gyokeres is being closely monitored as well. Romano revealed that initial contact with Leipzig was made over a week ago, while talks with Sesko’s camp have been consistent.
“The difference between the two targets lies not only in their playing styles but also in their price tags,” Romano explained. “Gyokeres has a different valuation, and Arsenal may see more flexibility from Sporting Lisbon than they’ve encountered with Leipzig.”
The current impasse reflects a broader issue in Arsenal’s transfer strategy. While they are ambitious in their targets, the club has often struggled to close major deals swiftly. Supporters have become increasingly vocal about the club’s hesitance in the market, with many arguing that dithering over a few million euros could cost Arsenal the top-tier striker they desperately need.
Compounding the issue is the Financial Fair Play (FFP) framework. Arsenal’s efforts to stay within spending regulations have influenced their negotiations. The club would prefer a structured deal spread over several years rather than paying a lump sum upfront. This stance, however, has made negotiations with clubs like Leipzig more complex.
In contrast, Sporting Lisbon have shown a greater willingness to entertain structured deals, especially if Gyokeres himself pushes for the move. The striker enjoyed a prolific season in Portugal and has drawn interest from other Premier League sides, including Manchester United. Arsenal will need to act fast if they decide to switch fully to Gyokeres.
Behind the scenes, Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta is said to be managing talks with both clubs. While some fans have pointed fingers at Berta for the lack of swift action, others believe he is simply being cautious, ensuring the club doesn’t overpay for unproven talent.
There is growing sentiment within the club that Sesko, despite his high ceiling, may not offer the immediate impact Arsenal need to compete for the Premier League title next season. Some insiders believe that Gyokeres, who is older and more physically dominant, could adapt more quickly to the rigors of English football.
Fans, meanwhile, are split on the issue. Some believe Arsenal should push hard for Sesko as a long-term investment, while others argue that time is of the essence and Gyokeres could provide a more immediate solution. The frustration among supporters is palpable, especially after several high-profile transfer sagas in recent windows that dragged on without success.
There is also a tactical element to consider. Arteta reportedly envisions Sesko fitting into a fluid attacking system that emphasizes intelligent movement and link-up play. Gyokeres, in contrast, would bring a more direct approach, which could offer Arsenal a new dimension in matches where they struggle to break down compact defenses.
With the June 15 deadline looming, Arsenal’s transfer plans could take a decisive turn. Should Leipzig refuse to negotiate, Edu and Arteta may opt to move forward with Gyokeres and abandon the Sesko pursuit entirely — a decision that would certainly stir debate among the Arsenal faithful.
For now, the club remains in wait-and-see mode, hoping that Leipzig will soften their demands. But as the days tick by, the pressure mounts on Arsenal to make a statement signing up front — one that matches their ambitions and satisfies a restless fanbase eager to see silverware return to the Emirates.
What remains clear is that Arsenal are operating with a sense of urgency this summer. After finishing as runners-up once again, the club understands the importance of capitalizing on their current momentum and closing the gap to Manchester City.
The outcome of these striker negotiations could very well define Arsenal’s summer and their trajectory for the coming season. With the window officially opening soon, all eyes will be on north London to see whether the Gunners pull off a decisive coup or settle for Plan B.
Either way, the club must act decisively. Arsenal can’t afford another season of “what ifs” — they need to get this transfer right.
