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Benjamin Sesko Arsenal transfer latest amid £88.5m agreement and Viktor Gyokeres impact
Football | June 20, 2025 8:39 AM CST

Arsenal's search for a proven goalscorer has so far worked in their favour, with both Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres reportedly keen to join the north London club.

However, Gyokeres appears to have fallen down the list of priorities, with Sesko emerging as the top target in recent weeks. The Slovenian international was linked with a big-money move to Arsenal 12 months ago, but a switch to north London never materialised.

Reports from Germany this week have claimed that Arsenal and RB Leipzig have reached an agreement, though the exact fee remains undisclosed. It was previously rumoured that the Bundesliga side valued their star striker at around £92.5million.

READ MORE: Arsenal await UEFA decision for game change before Premier League TV fixture release

READ MORE: Arsenal learn why Viktor Gyokeres transfer is being held up over 'signed letter' saga

With that said, football.london has taken a look at the latest surrounding Sesko.

'Agreement' reached

According to BILD, negotiations between RB Leipzig and Arsenal have concluded, with both clubs agreeing on a transfer fee for Benjamin Sesko. Reports suggest Arsenal could pay up to £85.5 million, although the final amount may be closer to £68.5 million. The exact figure is expected to be revealed later this week.

With the clubs in agreement, the next step is for Arsenal to finalize personal terms with Sesko. This is expected to be a smooth process, given the 22-year-old’s strong desire to join the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium.

"Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres for Arsenal? Sesko is not competing with anyone," the striker's agent Elvis Basanovic said prior to reaching an agreement with the Gunners.

"We have a very clear plan for the future and all the speculation in the press does not affect us in that sense. Sesko is not just a striker, he is a special striker. Sesko will only leave RB Leipzig when he finds a special club, with a special project and a special coach.

"We respect RB Leipzig and I am 100% convinced that RB Leipzig will also respect our decision on the next step when that moment arises. We will never blackmail RB Leipzig, because I believe that we should have more respect in the world of football. That is why we either do things the right way or not at all. It is very simple, even if it seems very complicated to the press."

Viktor Gyokeres 'plan' after Juve rejection

On Wednesday, Corriere dello Sport reported that Gyokeres had turned down a move to Juventus.

His entourage is said to have made it clear that Arsenal is his preferred destination.

So, what does Arsenal’s pursuit of Sesko mean for Gyokeres? At this stage, the Sporting striker no longer appears to be a priority for the Gunners.

Whether Arsenal will continue to pursue Gyökeres even if they secure Sesko remains to be seen.

Sporting CP 'demand'

Last week, Sporting Clube de Portugal president Frederico Varandas revealed no promises were made to Viktor Gyokeres about letting him leave for €60million (£51m) this summer.

"One thing is that you should already know me better," he said. "Threats, blackmail and insults don't work with me. I can guarantee that Viktor Gyokeres will not leave for €60+€10m (in add-ons) because I never promised him that.

When asked if there were any offers for €60m, Varandas added: "To this day, Sporting has not had an offer for Viktor Gyokeres, neither today nor last season. He is a fantastic professional, to this day he has had zero offers. He has a three-year contract with Sporting."

Varandas also explained the gentleman's agreement with Gyokeres, further explaining: "It was agreed that Sporting would not demand the release clause at the end of the season, especially because he was going to be 27.

"We knew about Viktor's dream of going to a club where he could fight for the Champions League and we have common sense.

"We guaranteed that we would not demand €100m. Sporting has common sense, it keeps its word. The president of Sporting said that the club would not demand the clause and that we would adjust the value to Viktor's performance, he was one of the best players ever to step on the pitch in Portugal."


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