Arsenal to pull plug on Benjamin Sesko pursuit?! Gunners growing 'frustrated' with striker's wage demands as Mikel Arteta continues hunt for new striker

Arsenal had made Sesko their number one target for the number nine position this summer and had appeared close to sealing a deal for the forward. Mikel Arteta has long been an admirer of the Slovenian and the Gunners seemed like they would be able to strike a deal with RB Leipzig. Yet, according to the Sun, talks with the player have stalled over his wage demands. There were also reports that the club were unhappy with Sesko demanding a release clause to be included in his contract too. Arsenal have not given up hope of landing Sesko's signature, but there remains distance between all parties involved.

Should Sesko’s wage demands be considered unreasonable, Arsenal could switch to their attention to Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres. Arsenal are admirers of the Swedish goalscoring machine, but are yet to make a serious approach given their priority to Sesko. Arsenal also believe that Sporting are demanding too high a price for the forward and would need to see a fee for the 27-year-old drop considerably before making a move. Should moves for either Sesko or Gyokeres not materialise, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins remains on the Gunners’ radar.

Arsenal are set to announce their first piece of business completed this summer imminently with Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi almost confirmed as a Gunner. The Gunners are also expected to sign Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga as a back-up goalkeeper. A big-money move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo remains just a rumour for now.

There is a lot of work for sporting director Andrea Berta to be doing to have the Arsenal squad ready for pre-season. Amid a host of incoming signings, Berta is also tasked with moving out a number players considered deadwood. Thomas Partey is growing closer to leaving on a free transfer, while the futures of Reiss Nelson, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Fabio Vieira remain in the air.