Mikel Arteta has finally summoned the conviction to demand what Arsenal have long lacked – a reliable source of goals. In truth, it is one of the worst-kept secrets in football that Arsenal intend to sign a striker this summer.
Talks stall between Arsenal and Leipzig over Sesko deal
While Viktor Gyokeres has been strongly linked, it is Benjamin Sesko who has been long admired by Arteta. The RB Leipzig forward, who scored 21 goals in 45 appearances last season, is just 22 and fits the Gunners’ recruitment profile. However, those hoping for a positive update may be disappointed. Arsenal have now set a deadline of mid-July to finalise the transfer.
According to The Sun, negotiations between Arsenal and Leipzig have hit a stalemate. The Gunners are reportedly pushing for a £60 million deal, but Leipzig are holding firm at £70 million. It is believed the German club are under pressure to make at least one big sale this summer to balance their finances and rebuild their underperforming squad.
Xavi Simons is also expected to leave Leipzig, but following a disappointing end to the 2024/25 campaign, his valuation has dipped. This makes Sesko their most viable big-money departure, and explains why the club are digging their heels in.
Agent silence raises questions as Berta bides time
Although personal terms between Arsenal and Sesko are reportedly agreed, concerns are growing over the position of his agent. The report suggests Elvis Basanovic has been “reluctant to pressure Leipzig into a sale,” and that his camp are “keeping a lower profile than usual” to avoid burning bridges should the player remain in Germany.
This approach is in stark contrast to Gyokeres’ team, who have been actively pushing for a move. With no direct replacement lined up for Sesko, Leipzig are in no rush to compromise on their valuation.
Sporting director Andrea Berta is believed to be playing the waiting game, hoping Leipzig soften their stance. However, with Arteta keen to have a new striker in place before Arsenal depart for their pre-season tour of Asia on 19th July, that patience may soon wear thin.
Should talks remain deadlocked, the club could pivot towards Gyokeres, who has already agreed personal terms and remains eager to make the move.
What are your thoughts Gooners?
Daniel O
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Im expecting Ollie Watkins, Madueke, Zubimendi, Kepa to be our summer business. Basically, prepare to be underwhelmed. The fact we are serious about Madueke tells me this club is still so unserious and doesn’t learn from their mistakes. Arsenal have been disappointing in the transfer market for well over a decade now.
The only person from your list I’m not sure we would sign is Watkins. I agree and am already expecting to be disappointed. We have fans applauding our apparent pursuit of Madueke. This club never learns. Sigh.
The Madueke rumour is so unsettling to me.
I would be so p!!ssed off if we went for him. And I bet we would be paying a large transfer fee for him like we did Havertz. To this day I still don’t understand how we paid £65 million for Havertz and gave him more than £200,000 a week contract.
But these are just gossip click bait rumours, so may be I shouldn’t be pulled in by them.
😊🤞
Unfortunately all the reliable journos are saying the interest is real. Only way I think most of us wouldn’t have a problem with this is if he came in cheaply. The prices Chelsea seem to value him at though are not low and he’s simply not worth more than what Chelsea originally paid for him. He’s done absolutely nothing in the EPL that warrants an increase in his price tag. Totally foolish deal if Chelsea make a considerable profit from this guy. Huge shades of Havertz and I’m not looking forward with lying to myself that yet another Chelsea transfer isn’t “that bad”, when we all know its funds poorly spent yet again.
Arsenal doesn’t have to buy anyone if their finances are adequate for that purpose. The same people who are shouting ‘buy’ ‘buy’ now would be the first to shout if Arsenal runs foul of the FFP rules as we saw with Barca, Lyon and Chelsea recently.
I think Arteta will soon leave us . Without quality players we will only be close to glory. Arsenal is waiting for clubs to buy the best players available so we can go for the less quality available. This club act like a small club
Signing Madueke for around 40m would be good for Arsenal imo. He is still young with a lot of room for improvement. he is a full England international who would provide support and competition for Saka.
A front line of Saka/Madueke. Gyokeres(or Sesko)/Havertz and Martineiii/Trossard is good enough to win things, especially if a player like Eze joins the midfield.
Good to put more trust in PL-familiar players.
COYG!
All I want to see now, is this window to be over and we get into playing football.