Arsenal begin negotiations with RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko

Arsenal have reportedly opened talks with RB Leipzig over a potential move for Benjamin Sesko.

Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg reported on X on Friday: "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. Discussions are currently ongoing about a possible payment structure. The release clause is set at over €80 million.

"[Viktor] Gyökeres is still high on the list. The current focus is on Sesko."

Arsenal are set to sign Martin Zubimendi for around £51m and have been linked with a number of left wingers including Rodrygo and Leroy Sane, whose Bayern contract expires at the end of June. Sane would be a cheaper option, though his salary expectations may be beyond anything Arsenal are willing to pay.

With no significant outgoings, it's unclear how much Arsenal would have to spend after the Zubimendi deal is confirmed, but it's expected they'd have enough for one of Sesko or Gyokeres as they bid to take the final step towards the Premier League title.

The fact the club are still undecided over Sesko or Gyokeres does raise questions as to their transfer strategy. Sesko is the younger option and will have just turned 22 by the start of the new season, more raw than Gyokeres but perhaps with a higher ceiling, while Gyokeres seems more suited to Arsenal's immediate need for an out-and-out goalscorer.

However, recent reports suggested that Mikel Arteta was happy for the club to withdraw from the running for Gyokeres, with Sporting CP vice-president Francisco Salgado Zenha saying: "He has three more years on his contract. At the moment, there are no offers, he has three more years on his contract. I think the answer has been given. [Sporting’s transfer plans] won’t be any different from last year."

“We want to keep the best players and retain talent. We want to continue to be champions, have competitive teams and fight on all fronts."

Gyokeres enjoyed a remarkable season in Portugal, scoring 39 goals in 33 games as Sporting won a second consecutive Primeira Liga, while Sesko scored 13 goals for RB Leipzig in 33 games.

Liam Williams

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