Former Chelsea forward Timo Werner has disclosed that his 6ft 4in RB Leipzig teammate, Benjamin Sesko, is set to join Arsenal in a £43 million deal. Despite interest from other Premier League clubs, Sesko reportedly insisted on Arsenal as his preferred destination. The 20-year-old Slovenian striker has showcased his talent with six goals in 15 appearances this season, catching the attention of Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal, aiming to strengthen their title bid, has identified Sesko as a target for the January 2024 transfer window. The Gunners, facing a striker shortage, have internally discussed a potential move for the young forward. Arteta’s primary choices for the position are Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney, but Sesko emerges as a more cost-effective option with his contract tied to RB Leipzig until 2028.
Despite challenges with current strikers Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, Arsenal’s pursuit of Sesko might offer a solution. Jesus has struggled with goal-scoring, registering only one league goal this season, while Nketiah, with five goals, lacks consistency.
Arteta had initially considered Toney and Osimhen, but obstacles such as Toney’s recent return from a ban and Brentford’s valuation concerns, along with Osimhen’s AFCON commitments and high cost, may have redirected the manager’s attention to Sesko.
RB Leipzig might only consider Sesko’s departure if they can make a profit on the £20.7 million they paid Salzburg. Reports suggest the Germans could demand around £43 million for the striker. Sesko’s physical and technical prowess, coupled with his lethal finishing, draws comparisons to a young Edin Dzeko.
As Arsenal seeks a reliable goal-scorer, Sesko’s youth and reasonable transfer fee could make him a viable addition to the squad by the end of the January transfer window.
