Arsenal fear repeating major transfer mistake if they don't sign £75m target
Arsenal fear they risk repeating one of their biggest transfer mistakes of recent times unless they sign Benjamin Sesko this summer.
The Gunners are hellbent on strengthening their forward line during the transfer window after last season's title challenge was undermined by an unprecedented injury crisis.
Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka all suffered long-term injuries which forced Mikel Arteta to deploy Mikel Merino as a makeshift centre forward from February onwards.
While Havertz has already recovered from hamstring surgery and looks set to play a major role again next term, Arsenal are reluctant to rely on the Germany international as their primary striker.
The options have been whittled down to a choice between Sesko, who Arsenal tried to sign last summer from RB Leipzig, or Viktor Gyokeres.
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Sporting Lisbon's Sweden international is the more experienced player and boasts an astonishing record over the course of the last two years but, according to the Independent, Arsenal are currently favouring a move for Sesko.
New sporting director Andrea Berta believes a deal can be struck for around £75m and it is felt that by passing up the chance to sign Sesko Arsenal would risk letting one of Europe's most promising players thrive at a rival club.
It is a scenario almost identical to the one Arteta faced three-and-a-half years ago when, while fighting it out with Spurs for a top four place, Arsenal had the chance to sign Alexander Isak from Real Socieded.
Arsenal attempted, unsuccessfully, to sign Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina and after failing to secure Champions League football saw Newcastle win the race to sign Isak who has since established his reputation as one of Europe's most prolific forwards.
Aside from Sesko and Gyokeres, Arsenal also maintain an interest in Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, while they have also been offered PSG's Goncalo Ramos as a fallback option.
It's been quite a tough season for Leipzig, which forced them to change coach after a disappointing Champions League campaign. They've been struggling, which reflects on his output, but he's still been one of their best and most consistent players.
Sesko's strengths are certainly his physicality and speed – he's great at making dangerous runs in behind defences, but he's also a very clinical and instinctive finisher, especially when the ball drops to him in the area. His work rate is good and he's a willing runner off the ball as well.
His hold-up play is quite strong, but I think his link-up play is a side of his game that he can still improve. It's not that he's bad at that side of the game, but compared to someone like Havertz, he's not at that level. In particular, his passing will need to get a lot better in a side like Arsenal.
But during his young career, he's shown he can take those steps forward. His mentality is definitely a strength – he's a player who wants to learn and wants to improve so in that sense he will be a quick learner and offers Arsenal something completely different.
Rune Gjerulff, German football expert and editor of Bulinews
Berta's remit this summer, meanwhile, is not restricted to bringing players in. The Italian is also overseeing a number of contract renewals and has made a promising start on that front after key defender Gabriel Magalhaes penned a new deal on Friday.
he 27-year-old centre back, whose existing deal ran until 2027, has proven indispensable since his 27 million pounds ($36.53 million) move from Lille in 2020, with the club's recent title challenge crumbling precisely when injury forced him to the sidelines.
'I arrived here as a young player and after almost five years I've learned a lot,' Gabriel said after putting pen to paper at Emirates Stadium. 'I hope I win some trophies with this club, because I love this club and my family loves the club, too.'
Gabriel's partnership with William Saliba has blossomed into one of the Premier League's most formidable defensive pairings since 2022, providing the foundation for Arsenal's resurgence as title contenders. His aerial prowess has also made him a persistent threat from set-pieces. More Trending
The Brazilian's true value to Arsenal became painfully apparent during the final two months of the 2024-25 campaign when a hamstring injury derailed the Gunners' charge.
Without their defensive lynchpin, Arsenal's title challenge disintegrated, and Paris St Germain ended their Champions League dreams in the semi-finals.
Gabriel's recommitment represents a significant boost for Arteta's squad building.
'I'm so proud to sign a new contract,' Gabriel added. 'I love the supporters, my team-mates, I love this stadium. We continue together for the future.'
MORE: Man City set low asking price for Jack Grealish with four Premier League clubs interested
MORE: Arsenal learn low asking price to sign forgotten Chelsea star
MORE: Andy Robertson calls out Man Utd for transfer mistake over 'unbelievable' star
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