Benjamin Sesko to Arsenal transfer latest as Man United help Andrea Berta get £64m breakthrough

Arsenal have been given a major boost to their hopes of signing Benjamin Sesko. The 22-year-old striker has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for a while now as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his frontline.

Sesko, whose contract at the Red Bull Arena expires in June 2029, featured 33 times in the Bundesliga last season, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists. Despite his best efforts, the German outfit missed out on Europe, finishing seventh with just 51 points.

The Slovenia international still managed to catch the eye, with his unique profile making him an attractive option for lots of top clubs. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up everything you need to know about Sesko and his future at Leipzig.

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Arsenal 'near Sesko compromise'

According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal and Leipzig may be nearing a compromise on a fee in the region of €75m (£64.4m). The report claims that the German club had initially demanded over €80m (£68.7m) for Sesko, but there's a growing belief that the Gunners may be able to get him for less.

CaughtOffside adds that Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid are now monitoring the situation. Chelsea were reportedly keen before they signed Liam Delap and lined up a deal for Joao Pedro.

While Arsenal face fresh competition in the race to sign Sesko, United, City and Real appear to have given Berta a nudge in the right direction.

Arsenal prepare Sesko backup plan

According to German outlet Bild, Arsenal have stepped up their interest in Hugo Ekitike, having grown frustrated in their pursuits of Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres. The report claims that the Gunners had an opening bid for the RB Leipzig star rejected, while Sporting CP are holding out for a fee that Berta is not willing to match.

Bild reckon that the Eintracht Frankfurt star, who has a €100m (£85m) price tag, has suddenly become a 'serious' option. Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United are reportedly keen on Ekitike too.

Sesko's agent provides an update

Last month, Elivis Basanovic insisted that Leipzig aren't under pressure to sell Sesko. Speaking to GiveMeSport last month, Sesko's agent said: "Even if there may be - or will be - a strong desire of the player to move to a certain club, we will never force or blackmail RB Leipzig.

"I believe this is not the right way, because the way you actually exit from the club shows your values. Values that you are bringing into a new club.

"I can understand in very big transfers, there are a lot of different interests but no matter what, I believe a football world should be more respect. So that's why we do things in the right way or we don't do them.

"It's very simple, even maybe in the media it looks very complicated."

Arsenal want to sign Sesko

football.london understands that Arsenal remain interested in signing Benjamin Sesko, even if his stock has fallen a little after an underwhelming season. The Gunners wanted to secure the 22-year-old's signature last year, but talks never reached an advanced stage.

He was keen to resolve his future at Leipzig before Euro 2024, but the north Londoners couldn't commit to a deal with Eddie Nketiah still at the club. By the time the Hale End graduate eventually left, Sesko had already penned a contract extension at the Red Bull Arena.

Despite missing out, football.london understands that Arsenal continued to monitor the Slovenian's progress. Now, it's up to Berta to get a deal over the line...