Arsenal ‘in pole position to sign Benjamin Sesko’ but transfer release clause soars with agent also spotted at Man Utd
ARSENAL are in “pole position” to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, according to reports.
The Slovenian, 20, has impressed in recent weeks for the Bundesliga side.
Sesko moved to RB Leipzig last summer and has since scored 13 goals in 30 German top flight appearances.
According to the Telegraph, Arsenal possess a “strong interest” in the 6ft 5in forward.
They add that other interested parties now believe that the Gunners are in “pole position” to seal Sesko’s signature.
The former RB Salzburg ace previously had a £43million release clause built into his contract.
That figure is now understood to have risen to £64m given his red-hot recent form.
Sesko has scored in each of his last six appearances, including a goal against Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund.
His agent Elvis Basanovic was in attendance as Arsenal beat Chelsea 5-0 last month.
Manchester United have also shown an interest in Sesko, as they seek support for Rasmus Hojlund.
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Basanovic posted a snap of himself at Old Trafford for United’s clash with Arsenal last Sunday.
AC Milan have also been linked with making a swoop for Sesko, with forward Oliver Giroud leaving for LAFC.
The Gunners have found success during the second half of the season playing Kai Havertz as a striker.
This has made their need for a forward less pressing, but they are still expected to enter the market for one this summer.
In addition to Sesko, they have also been linked with Viktor Gyokeres and Joshua Zirkzee.
Mikel Arteta‘s men are set to perform a huge clear-out this summer.
Fringe players including Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe, Aaron Ramsdale and Reiss Neilson could all depart.
While Kieran Tierney, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares, who have all been out on loan this term, are expected to leave on permanent transfers.
Mikel Arteta's striker shopping list
By Jordan Davies
ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
Dutch wonder is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him.