Fabrizio Romano Confirms Arsenal are ‘in talks’ to Sign £70m Striker | OneFootball

Arsenal in Pole Position for Benjamin Sesko Amid Transfer Interest: A Delicate Summer Pursuit

Arsenal’s intent to bolster their attacking ranks this summer is no secret, but recent developments, as exclusively reported by Caught Offside, have made it clear the Gunners are not just monitoring targets — they are making decisive moves.

Benjamin Sesko, the Red Bull Leipzig striker who tallied an impressive 18 goal contributions (G/A) last season, is now at the forefront of Mikel Arteta’s transfer plans. According to Fabrizio Romano, “Arsenal have been speaking directly to the club and also with the player’s camp,” highlighting that Arsenal are currently the only club engaged in concrete negotiations for the Slovenian international.

Despite previous interest from heavyweights like Manchester United and Liverpool, it’s Arsenal who are now driving discussions. Romano clarifies, “At the moment, the only club to have started concrete discussions and negotiations is Arsenal.” That kind of exclusivity at this stage of the summer window is significant.

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Why Sesko Fits the Arteta Profile

At just 21, Sesko ticks numerous boxes for Arsenal. Technically gifted, physically imposing and versatile in attacking roles, his profile echoes the sort of high-ceiling prospect Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar typically pursue.

Sesko is expected to cost around £70million, but talks remain ongoing to agree a deal between the two clubs.

This isn’t Arsenal’s first dance with Sesko. Romano states, “Arsenal also wanted Sesko one year ago, but in that case it was not possible to proceed, and it’s the same story in January.” Persistence in recruitment often speaks volumes about a club’s valuation of a player’s potential impact.

More importantly, the proactive nature of the approach — rather than reactive bidding wars — suggests Arsenal are aiming to secure their top targets early.

Viktor Gyokeres Also in Consideration

While Sesko appears the priority, Romano reports that Arsenal are also weighing up a move for Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres, who offers a different skill set and price point.

“Another player Arsenal are looking at is Viktor Gyokeres, who is a different kind of player with different skills and a different price tag,” says Romano, underlining the tactical flexibility Arteta is seeking to introduce.

This dual-track approach implies a careful balance between identifying value and maintaining strategic leverage in negotiations.

Focus Not Just on Strikers

The report also reminds fans that attacking reinforcements aren’t limited to central strikers. Romano hints, “Remember as well that Arsenal also want to add an important winger to Mikel Arteta’s squad this summer.” With Bukayo Saka’s minutes needing to be better managed and Gabriel Martinelli’s form fluctuating, depth out wide will be just as crucial.

Arsenal’s ambitions this summer are clear: consolidate last season’s progress and finally bridge the fine margins that separated them from Premier League glory.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This is exactly the type of transfer activity Arsenal fans have been hoping to see. After two years of careful squad building under Arteta, the Gunners now need players who can turn tight games into victories — and Sesko looks like he could be that difference-maker.

His 18 goal contributions in the Bundesliga are no fluke. At 21, his ceiling is massive, and if Arsenal are already this far ahead in the race, we should be doing everything to get this over the line before others start circling.

Fans will also take heart from Romano’s confirmation: “The contacts have absolutely started and the deal is on.” That’s the kind of phrase that raises excitement across the fanbase.

Gyokeres is a solid alternative and proves the recruitment team is ready with contingencies. But if we can land Sesko, it’s a statement of intent — not just to rivals, but to our own players. Arsenal are back in the Champions League next season and we need this kind of firepower to make a dent in Europe too.

This transfer window is not just about plugging gaps — it’s about accelerating the project. And if Sesko signs, Arsenal’s ambitions will be louder than words.