"Apart from..": Leipzig insider provides fresh update on Arsenal's move to sign Benjamin Sesko
Arsenal have made ‘zero contact’ with RB Leipzig regarding the transfer of striker Benjamin Sesko, according to Leipziger Volkszeitung chief reporter Guido Schafer.
The Gunners are in the transfer market for a new centre-forward. Sesko has been identified as one of their prime targets alongside Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.
Since early June, it has been consistently reported that Arsenal are in ‘concrete talks‘ with Leipzig for Sesko, although they have yet to make a formal approach.
Schafer has now provided an update on X on the situation. He highlighted that Arsenal have ‘zero contact’ with Leipzig regarding Sesko.
Nothing has happened apart from an expression of interest from the Gunners.
He posted: “Arsenal have zero contact with RB Leipzig regarding Sesko – apart from an expression of interest from the Gunners, nothing has happened.”
Arsenal need to end the striker saga soon
Sesko had a solid 2024/25 campaign with Leipzig, scoring 21 goals and providing six assists from 45 outings.
Arsenal failed in their approach to sign him last summer, as he was reluctant to play second fiddle to Kai Havertz.
They have revived their pursuit of the Slovenian, but no formal offer has been placed at the current point in time.
Arsenal have no plans of triggering the striker’s £68 million release clause, which would mean paying the fee in one lump sum.
This has put Leipzig in an advantageous position. They could demand more. The German side could hold out for as much as £85m to negotiate a long-term payment plan.
Schafer claims that there is ‘zero contact’ between the clubs, but we don’t believe that given the likes of Fabrizio Romano and Florian Plettenberg have confirmed discussions.
Arsenal must end the striker saga soon as they need to bolster other key positions too this summer.
A versatile winger, a backup goalkeeper and a centre-back could also be signed.
There is already an agreement in place to purchase Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
Meanwhile, the London giants are simultaneously working on a transfer deal for Sporting CP striker Gyokeres in case negotiations with Leipzig for Sesko break down.
The Swede’s representative has an exclusive ‘sales mandate‘. Arsenal could sign the 27-year-old for £51m amid recent comments by Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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