Arsenal's stance on Benjamin Sesko transfer revealed as Gunners set deadline for potential €100m deal with RB Leipzig amid lingering Viktor Gyokeres interest

Arsenal have shortlisted RB Leipzig's Sesko as the ideal candidate to bolster their attack ahead of next season. The Gunners will, however, only continue their pursuit of the striker on their terms, according to a report from GiveMeSport,and they want the deal done in time for the start of their Premier League campaign against Manchester United on August 17.

New sporting director Andrea Berta has been working closely with head coach Mikel Arteta on new recruits, with Sesko topping their wish list. The Premier League giants, though, have made it clear that they will not engage in a draining transfer saga, for whom Leipzig are reportedly demanding a fee in the region of £85.5 million (€100m/$115m). Sesko and Arsenal are believed to have reached a personal agreement, but a huge valuation gap for the final transfer fee continues to act as a major stumbling block for the two clubs.

While Sesko is said to be keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal are keeping all options open. The north Londoners have been linked with Sporting CP talisman Gyokeres, although they seem to have shelved their interest in the Swedish international due to the internal drama brewing up at the Portuguese club between the player and president Frederico Varandas. Sporting are demanding that those interested in Gyokeres pay the €100m (£85.5m/$115m) release clause in his contract, despite reports of a gentleman's agreement with the 26-year-old to allow him to leave for just €70m (£60m/$81m).

Both Sesko and Gyokeres are willing to join Arsenal this summer, with the latter even rejecting advances from Juventus as he awaits a "dream" move to north London. However, the hike in transfer fees for both players have proven to be a spanner in the works for Arteta and his transfer plans ahead of the 2025-26 season. While the Premier League runners-up will continue to work towards reaching an agreement for either player, they will return to action next month, with a pre-season tour to Singapore and Hong Kong scheduled for late July.