Arsenal appear to be moving decisively in the market, with reports suggesting they are closing in on a deal for Benjamin Sesko (Benjamin Šeško), the highly-rated RB Leipzig striker. Arsenal and the Bundesliga club are ongoing, and while no final agreement on the transfer fee has been reached, personal terms are believed to be settled.
With Arsenal eager to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season, this pursuit of Šeško has become one of the most talked-about stories of the summer. Here’s a comprehensive look at why Arsenal are chasing the Slovenian international, the complexities surrounding the deal, and what it could mean for both player and club.
Who Is Benjamin Sesko?
At just 22 years old, Benjamin Šeško has already built a reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards. Standing at 6’5″ (196 cm), he is known for his imposing physical presence, blistering pace, and sharp technical skills — a rare combination for a striker of his stature.
Šeško’s 2024-25 season was a breakout year, scoring 21 goals and providing six assists across all competitions for RB Leipzig. His performances in the Champions League were especially eye-catching, netting four goals against top-level opposition and displaying the kind of composure and movement that Arsenal have lacked in their frontline.
New No. 9? Arsenal Confirm Signing of Benjamin Sesko
Why Arsenal Want Sesko
It’s no secret that Arsenal have been in the market for a prolific No. 9. Despite strong overall performances under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners finished the 2024-25 season without a single player reaching double figures in Premier League goals. Gabriel Jesus struggled with injuries, while Eddie Nketiah and Kai Havertz were inconsistent in front of goal.
Arsenal’s tactical system demands a striker capable of linking play, pressing effectively, and offering a threat both in the air and behind defensive lines. Šeško fits that profile perfectly. His ability to combine physical dominance with pace makes him an ideal focal point for Arteta’s attack.
Reports from Sky Sports suggest Arsenal had been monitoring other targets like Viktor Gyökeres, but have since made Šeško their top priority. With his age, versatility, and room for further development, the Slovenian forward is seen as a long-term solution at center forward.
The Financial Side: A Pricey Pursuit
While personal terms between Šeško and Arsenal appear to be agreed, the major hurdle remains the transfer fee. RB Leipzig are reportedly holding out for a figure between £60m and £70m, with some sources claiming the total package, including bonuses, could rise to as much as £92.5m.
This valuation reflects both Šeško’s current ability and future potential. Arsenal are believed to be negotiating the structure of the deal, hoping to reduce the upfront payment and include performance-related bonuses.
Complicating matters is the reported interest from Liverpool, who are also in the market for a new striker after uncertainties surrounding Darwin Núñez’s future. While Arsenal remain in pole position, any delay in reaching an agreement could open the door for rivals to hijack the move.
Fan Reactions and Controversy
News of Arsenal’s pursuit of Šeško has been met with mixed reactions from supporters and pundits alike. Many Arsenal fans view him as the perfect fit for Arteta’s system — a physically dominant, technically gifted forward who can lead the line for years to come.
However, others question the wisdom of such a significant financial outlay for a player with only two seasons of top-level European football under his belt. Some argue that proven strikers like Gyökeres or even a short-term veteran option might offer more reliable returns in the immediate term.
Adding to the intrigue is Šeško’s past comments about his ambitions to play in the Premier League, fueling optimism among Arsenal fans that this deal could be the one to finally resolve their striker issues.
What This Means for Arsenal
Should the transfer be completed, Benjamin Šeško would immediately become one of Arsenal’s most expensive signings — and one of their most important. His presence would not only provide a genuine goal threat but also allow Arteta to diversify his attacking options. It could potentially lead to a shift in the way Arsenal build their attacks, incorporating more direct balls into the box and utilizing Šeško’s aerial prowess.
Moreover, Šeško’s arrival might see Gabriel Jesus used more frequently in a wide or deeper role, while also providing valuable competition for Havertz and Nketiah.
The Right Move at the Right Time?
The pursuit of Benjamin Šeško represents a bold, calculated gamble by Arsenal — one that could pay off handsomely if the Slovenian continues his upward trajectory. While the financial commitment is significant, Arsenal’s ambition to challenge for the Premier League title and make a deep run in the Champions League necessitates this kind of decisive action in the transfer market.
If Arsenal can finalize the deal swiftly and integrate Šeško into their pre-season preparations, it could be one of the smartest pieces of business in the 2025 summer window.
For now, fans will be eagerly refreshing their feeds, waiting for that official announcement.
