Arsenal are beginning to grow impatient in their pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko and have reportedly set a deadline to finalise the transfer negotiations.
According to sources close to the matter, the Gunners remain interested in completing a deal for the highly-rated Slovenian forward but may be forced to move on to alternative targets if an agreement isn’t reached soon.
CaughtOffside, after speaking to several insiders with strong ties to the football agency industry, has learned that although Arsenal are still actively working towards a deal with Leipzig, they’re not prepared to wait indefinitely.
The club is looking for progress soon, particularly before June 15, as one source indicated. While not all insiders confirmed that specific deadline, many agreed that Arsenal’s patience is wearing thin.
Benjamin Sesko has been a top priority for manager Mikel Arteta for some time, and discussions with the player’s camp have reportedly been productive.
It’s understood that personal terms between Arsenal and Sesko are more or less agreed upon, with a long-term contract potentially running until 2030 already on the table. The major sticking point, however, remains RB Leipzig’s refusal to negotiate below Sesko’s €80 million release clause—a figure Arsenal are reluctant to meet outright.
Despite interest in Sesko from clubs in Saudi Arabia, the striker has made it clear that he wants to continue playing in Europe, keeping Arsenal in a favourable position if they can meet Leipzig’s terms.
But time is of the essence, and if the German club doesn’t show flexibility soon, Arsenal are expected to shift their focus.
In fact, talks are said to be progressing well with another top striker: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting Lisbon.
Arsenal have reportedly held advanced discussions with the Swedish international, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United. Sporting, however, may also demand a significant fee for their striker, whose profile differs from Sesko’s but who is still seen as a viable alternative.
Fabrizio Romano, writing for CaughtOffside recently, confirmed that Sesko remains high on Arsenal’s list of striker targets.
He revealed that the club has been in contact with both Leipzig and the player’s representatives over the last ten days, actively pursuing the deal. Romano also noted that Gyokeres remains on Arsenal’s radar and is being considered seriously as an option due to his different playing style and valuation.
