New transfer rule has just helped Arsenal in the race for Benjamin Sesko as RB Leipzig talks continue to progress

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Arsenal have received yet another boost in their pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, with the transfer edging closer to being completed.

The Gunners appear to have decided that the Slovenian is their priority number nine target, despite engaging in discussions with Sporting CP over the potential signing of Viktor Gyokeres.

Arsenal Insider revealed last week that Arsenal are pushing to finalise a deal for Sesko, with sporting director Andrea Berta accelerating negotiations with the Bundesliga outfit in recent days.

Sesko has now pulled out of the Slovenia squad for the Eastern European nation’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday night, after Leipzig requested this happen, sparking more speculation that the deal is imminent.

• READ MORE: Confirmed Arsenal summer 2025 transfer ins and outs, signings and done deals

Benjamin Sesko rejects Al-Hilal offer before Club World Cup

Journalist Florian Plettenberg claimed on Sunday that he’s ‘totally convinced’ Sesko will join Arsenal this summer.

However, reports emerged on Monday suggesting that Saudi Pro-League club Al-Hilal have approached Sesko over a potential move to the Middle East, concerning Gunners fans who have their heart set on the 22-year-old.

This concern has now been alleviated, as Ben Jacobs indicates that the Slovenia international’s camp informed the Saudi outfit that the player doesn’t want to join them ahead of the Club World Cup.

FIFA have implemented a change to the way in which the transfer window operates this summer, due to the Club World Cup, with two separate windows now existing.

The first transfer window closes on Tuesday evening, June 10th, with clubs not allowed to make any additions to their squads after this window closes, before the next one opens on June 16th.

This is so that clubs involved in the tournament formulate their rosters prior to the group stage commencing, and cannot add anyone new until the knockout stages.

Sesko has turned down Al-Hilal as he doesn’t want to be involved in the Club World Cup, giving Arsenal an opportunity to swoop in over the coming weeks and complete the deal for the player.

What should be Arsenal’s transfer priority after Benjamin Sesko deal?

This latest twist, combined with the relentless reporting about Sesko’s potential move to Arsenal, seems to point towards the deal materialising.

If the Gunners can secure the imposing centre-forward in the coming weeks, then they can turn their attention elsewhere.

Martin Zubimendi is set to sign for Arsenal, while a deal for goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is said to be advanced.

Thus, the remaining priority signing should be in the wide areas, with a dynamic winger needed to compete with Gabriel Martinelli on the left-hand side of Arsenal’s attack.

Rodrygo is the dream target, and the Gunners should be going all out to secure the Brazilian.