Arsenal are growing increasingly frustrated in their pursuit of both Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.
The Gunners’ top priority this summer is adding a striker to Mikel Arteta’s ranks, and Andrea Berta has whittled the shortlist down to the aforementioned two.
Benjamin Sesko is in direct talks with Arsenal about a move, although Leipzig are now said to be remaining firm on asking for his £67 million release clause. The North Londoners had expected to pay closer to £60 million.
Meanwhile, Arsenal remain interested in Gyokeres, but, like Sesko, disagreement over the potential price tag with Sporting CP is proving to be a stumbling block.
The Gunners are now prepared to change course and go for their ‘Plan C’ option.
Arsenal frustrated by Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres sagas
Sesko and Gyokeres are widely understood to be Arsenal’s top targets this summer.
That said, Berta isn’t stubborn to the extent that he’ll simply bow down to clubs’ demands and pay over the odds for either, and is willing to walk away if necessary.
According to Jordan Davies of SunSport, it’s looking increasingly possible that this could happen, as Leipzig and Sporting make it difficult for the Gunners to pry away their most prized possessions.
Arsenal have reportedly been taken aback by Leipzig’s adamant stance of not accepting anything less than Sesko’s release clause.
The North London outfit had believed that the Slovenian had a gentleman’s agreement with the Bundesliga club, which would allow him to leave for a more reasonable price after he and the Red Bull side endured a down-season.
With Saudi Clubs now interested, Leipzig have gone back on this promise and are asking for £67 million, which is putting Arsenal off.
Meanwhile, Sporting also want £67 million for their talisman, a fee the Gunners feel is too high based on Gyokeres’ age profile and relative lack of experience at the top level.
It’s possible that if Arsenal move for neither that they both end up staying at their respective clubs due to the difficult financial situation that other suitors, Manchester United and Barcelona, find themselves in.
Arsenal don’t want to spend the entire summer negotiating with clubs who have no intention of folding on their excessive demands.
Arsenal considering Hugo Ekitike or Julian Alvarez as ‘Plan C’ options
SunSport suggest that Arsenal may be forced to turn to their Plan C, which is understood to be one of two strikers.
Hugo Ekitike is the most likely, with the Frenchman on Arsenal’s radar and valued at only slightly more than Sesko, but is coming off the back of a much better season than the Leipzig man.
Ekitike is ready to leave Eintracht Frankfurt, although Chelsea and United are said to be hugely interested in acquiring the 22-year-old and will no doubt rival the Gunners for his signature.
Some reports also indicate that the German club want £84 million for the player.
Meanwhile, SunSport also indicate that Julian Alvarez is a Plan C option, although the Argentine is a much less likely acquisition.
Atletico only signed Alvarez last summer and for a seismic £81.5 million.
After enjoying an exceptional season for Diego Simeone’s team, it would presumably take north of £100 million to lure him away from the Metropolitano.
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