Arsenal’s pursuit of a confirmed No. 9 has taken a big step ahead — and a monetary actuality examine. As reported by , the Gunners have opened talks with RB Leipzig over the signing of Benjamin Sesko, however the German membership are refusing to budge on their valuation.
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With Mikel Arteta intent on including a central striker to enhance his fluid attacking system, Sesko has emerged as a precedence goal. But any hopes of securing the 21-year-old at a reduced fee seem over. As Mail Sport reviews, “RB Leipzig sport director Marcel Schafer has informed Arsenal counterpart Andrea Berta that they need a set price of £75m for the 21-year-old.”
That’s simply the bottom price. Further clauses and performance-related bonuses might see the deal rise significantly.
Photograph: IMAGO
Leipzig Take a Agency Stance
RB Leipzig should not a promoting membership within the conventional sense, they transfer gamers on, however on their phrases. Sesko, nonetheless solely 21, suits their mannequin completely: younger, athletic, tactically versatile, and enhancing season-on-season. Having solely joined Leipzig from Purple Bull Salzburg in 2023, the Slovenian worldwide is seen as a cornerstone of their short-term undertaking.
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However each participant has a worth, and Leipzig have made theirs crystal clear. It’s now as much as Arsenal to resolve whether or not Sesko’s upside — objectives, link-up play, presence within the field — justifies the price.
Striker Precedence Clear for Arsenal
Arteta’s want for a pure finisher has by no means been extra evident. Regardless of the progress of Kai Havertz in a hybrid ahead function and the business of Gabriel Jesus, neither has fairly stuffed the void of a scientific, penalty-box striker. In video games the place tremendous margins matter, significantly within the Champions League and tight home encounters, Sesko might provide that decisive edge.
Tall, cellular and assured with each toes, Sesko scored frequently within the Bundesliga and confirmed flashes of elite-level motion that will translate properly into the Premier League. His type has drawn comparisons with Erling Haaland — a lofty benchmark, however one which displays his potential trajectory.
Photograph IMAGO
Charge Displays Market Shift
Whereas £75m feels steep, that is the going fee for top-end younger forwards with European pedigree and long-term resale worth. Arsenal, who’ve tended to spend neatly moderately than wildly in current home windows, will now weigh whether or not that is the second to stretch their price range.
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With curiosity in Sesko from different Premier League golf equipment, velocity could also be as essential as technique. And if Arsenal hesitate, they might discover themselves again at sq. one — once more chasing strikers who both don’t match or gained’t transfer.
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For Arsenal followers, that is precisely the kind of transfer we’ve wanted for years. For all of the technical brilliance on this squad, there’s nonetheless a way we lack that cold-blooded striker who can bury possibilities and alter video games when the remaining aren’t firing.
Benjamin Sesko seems to be and performs like a ahead made for Arteta’s system. He stretches defences, presses properly, and has that knack for locating area on the proper second. He’s younger, hungry, and nowhere close to his ceiling — which is exactly what we’ve constructed this workforce round.
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Sure, £75m is a critical price. However this isn’t about paying for the place Sesko is now — it’s about who he might turn into over the following 5 years. You solely have to have a look at Haaland and even Darwin Núñez to know that in the event you wait too lengthy, you pay extra — or miss out totally.
If Edu and Berta can get this over the road, it sends an actual message. We’re not simply right here to compete — we’re right here to construct a workforce that lasts. Sesko might be the ultimate piece in an assault that really challenges for all the pieces.
