Sky Sports - Arsenal now want to sign €80m striker, in talks with his club over payment structure

Arsenal are in talks with RB Leipzig over a possible payment structure for Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko, according to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.

The 21-year-old has a release clause set at over €80 million, and Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta has had a meeting with his Leipzig counterpart Marcel Schafer, but it is unknown whether they are ready to activate the clause.

EXCL | Negotiations between RB Leipzig and Arsenal regarding Benjamin #Sesko have begun!

A few days ago, there was already a meeting between the executives Marcel Schäfer and Andrea Berta in London.

It remains unclear whether #Arsenal are able to afford the full package.… pic.twitter.com/TBqrepWwfP

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 30, 2025

Arsenal want a new number 9 and Sesko has caught their attention for a while, with his return of 21 goals and six assists in 45 games this season impressing them.

He notched 18 goals in 42 appearances last term and also scored 18 times in 2022-23, but whether he has what it takes to hit the ground running in the Premier League remains to be seen.

Spending €80m on a young player yet to prove himself in a tough league like the English top-flight is a huge risk, and the North London club cannot afford to invest such a fee on a player who could struggle to adapt to the demands of the Premier League.

Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, who was involved in 67 goals in 52 games for the Portuguese top-flight club this term after weighing in with 54 goals and 13 assists, is also an option, but the 26-year-old will reportedly cost around €80m and the huge gulf between his league and the Premier League has some at Arsenal doubting his real quality.

Sesko is still 21 and could become one of the best strikers in the game given the huge potential he has displayed over the last three campaigns, but he needs to be capable of making an immediate impact at the Emirates Stadium club if he joins them this summer.

The Gunners are desperate for a striker who will help them win the Premier League title after three seasons of finishing second in the table, and manager Mikel Arteta will hope one can be signed in the coming weeks.

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