Arsenal plot 'Plan C' in attempt sign new striker as talks for Benjamin Sesko & Viktor Gyokeres stall

The north London side had been hoping to finalise a deal for a top-class forward well before their pre-season tour to Singapore and Hong Kong in mid-July. However, as talks stagnate, the Gunners are having to reassess their approach, as revealed by The Sun.

RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko was once seen as the frontrunner to lead Arsenal’s attack next season. It was previously thought that a fee of around £60 million ($81.17m) could be enough to lure the 22-year-old Slovenian away from Germany. But Leipzig are now insisting on a figure closer to the £70m ($95m) release clause in Sesko's contract. This unexpected hike has forced Arsenal to pause their plans, with the club still reluctant to lodge a formal bid. The rising interest from two Saudi Arabian clubs has further complicated matters, as Arsenal fear getting drawn into a bidding war that could spiral out of control.

Gyokeres has also emerged as a key target after a stellar season in Portugal, guiding Sporting CP to another domestic league title. Initial reports suggested that the Swedish international could be signed for less than his £85m ($115m) buyout clause. However, Sporting president Frederico Varandas publicly denied the existence of any prior gentleman’s agreement allowing Gyokeres to leave for £59m ($80m). Sporting are now demanding approximately £67m ($91m) for the 27-year-old, a valuation Arsenal are hesitant to meet, considering the striker's limited resale value.

Both Gyokeres and Sesko are believed to be aware that Arsenal are unlikely to sign more than one striker this summer. The result has reportedly been frustration in both camps, as the two forwards find themselves indirectly pitted against one another in a competition for a single opportunity.

Given the complications surrounding both Sesko and Gyokeres, Arsenal are actively preparing a ‘Plan C’ strategy. One such option is Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, who is valued at around £60m ($81m) and remains on Arteta’s shortlist. The club is also considering Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, who has prior experience in the Premier League.

Another direction Arsenal could pursue involves strengthening their options on the wing. Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams is viewed as a dream addition, although acquiring him would not come cheap. The Spanish club want £50m ($68m) paid upfront, and Williams' wage demands could pose significant challenges, potentially breaching Arsenal's current salary framework.

Compounding the challenge is Bayern Munich’s growing confidence in their pursuit of the young winger. The Bundesliga giants believe they are in pole position to secure Williams’ services as the Spanish international remains "open" to play for one of Europe’s most decorated clubs.

With negotiations for their top two striker targets stalling and the clock ticking towards pre-season, Arsenal are now weighing up multiple fallback options. Whether they stick with their original plan or pivot to alternative signings, one thing is clear - the Gunners can ill afford to begin the new campaign without reinforcing their attack.