What RB Leipzig have now done to help Arsenal complete Benjamin Sesko transfer amid talks advancing

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Arsenal are looking increasingly likely to complete the signing of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.

The Gunners are desperate to land a number nine this summer to compete with Kai Havertz, with Gabriel Jesus out until later in the year with an ACL tear.

Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are Andrea Berta’s two primary targets, and it appears the North Londoners are now leaning towards the former.

Arsenal Insider revealed on Friday that Arsenal are pushing to finalise a deal for Sesko, after advancing in talks with Leipzig over the prospective transfer.

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RB Leipzig ask Slovenian FA for Benjamin Sesko to be removed from international squad

It’s understood that Sesko is keen on a move to Arsenal, while Leipzig are happy to negotiate a fee lower than his release clause.

The wheels are in motion for the deal to materialise, and it’s expected to develop rapidly in the coming days.

However, Sesko is currently on international duty with Slovenia, meaning the Gunners may have to wait until after Tuesday’s game between the Eastern European nation and Bosnia and Herzegovina to make more direct contact with the player.

That said, Leipzig are so eager to sanction the departure and cash in on one of their prized assets that they’ve made a special request to the Slovenian Football Association.

According to the Mirror, the Bundesliga club have asked the Slovenian FA to omit Sesko from the squad for the friendly against Bosnia next week ahead of the player’s potential move to the Emirates.

Sesko ended the 2024/25 campaign nursing a knee issue, which saw him play just three minutes of Leipzig’s final match of the season.

The German outfit are desperate for the striker to avoid exacerbating the knock by playing for his country, with this outcome potentially jeopardising his switch to North London.

Slovenia have made no promises, as they feel that Sesko could yet prove fit enough to feature against Bosnia in Celje.

However, as he continues his rehabilitation, Slovenia won’t push him to play if he’s not ready.

Viktor Gyokeres remains an option for Arsenal

While Arsenal are leaning towards Sesko, that doesn’t mean their pursuit of Gyokeres is over.

The Gunners are still monitoring the Swede and have laid the groundwork for a deal for him to be enacted if they have a change of heart or are unable to agree favourable terms with Leipzig.

Sporting believe Gyokeres prefers a move to Arsenal over Manchester United, who are also interested in adding the 27-year-old to their ranks.

It’s likely that the former Coventry man is waiting to see whether the Gunners’ deal for Sesko progresses to the final stages before making a decision on a potential approach from the Red Devils.

Having scored 54 goals in 52 games, there is an argument to be made that Gyokeres represents the more astute signing for Arsenal, given they’re eager to win a major trophy next season and not in a few years.