RB Leipzig have reportedly set a fee in the region of £80 million for Arsenal linked striker Benjamin Sesko.
It was previously thought Leipzig had a gentlemen’s agreement that would allow Sesko to leave for €70 million (£60 million).
But this is reportedly wrong, with the Red Bulls instead being able to freely negotiate a fee for the Slovenian.
This is according to BILD, who also reported that the German side have promised consultants that the player will move in the summer, but for around €100 million (£80-85 million)
This could break their departure record fee, which was last set by Josko Gvardiol when he moved to Manchester City in 2023.
How has Sesko fared this season?
Sesko has been a crucial component of the Leipzig side this season under manager Zslot Low.
The 21-year-old has been the sides’ main outlet for goals this season, contributing the most goals and assists in the Bundesliga for his team.
Sesko has scored 11 goals and has claimed five assists in 28 matches in the league this season.
The former Red Bull Salzburg forward continued his form into the DFB Pokal, scoring four and assisting one in four matches as his side reached the semi-finals.
Sesko followed a similar pattern in the Champions League, scoring four of the eight goals for Leipzig as they were knocked out in the group stages.
Overall, the Premier League linked man scored 19 goals and assisted six in 40 matches for Leipzig, averaging a goal contribution every 118 minutes.
The Sesko situation.
According to BILD, Sesko will be allowed to leave to a top side this summer, with the fee being in the region of £80 million.
Arsenal are one of the sides interested in the striker, along with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, as well as Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester United.
There was reportedly a gentlemen’s agreement for Sesko to leave for a lower price, but instead, Leipzig will be able to freely negotiate a price for the striker.
The 21-year-old has a contract until 2029, which means Leipzig may be in no panic to sell the striker and can hold out for their €100 million price tag.
If Leipzig get the full amount they are hoping for, it would be their record departure for a player, taking over Gvardiol by €10 million.
Would this be a good signing for Arsenal?
It has been an impressive campaign for Arsenal this season under Mikel Arteta, with the Gunners sitting second in the league and are in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Arteta’s side have been disciplined at the back, with Saliba and Gabriel acting as a brick wall for Arsenal, who have conceded only 27 goals in the league and conceded only once in two games against Real Madrid.
But one thing you could say is currently missing in this Arsenal side is a quality forward and someone to bring in the goals.
The Gunners’ top scorer in the league is currently Havertz, who has not played since early February. Bringing in a player like Sesko may be what Arsenal need.
It seems there are three stand-out names for the summer: Alexander Isak from Newcastle United, Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting, and Sesko.
The Slovenian could be a brilliant addition for the Gunners, who seem set on bringing in a striker this summer.
Towering at 6’3, Sesko is a monster in the box, winning 57.4% of his aerial duels per90, this could be needed for a side like Arsenal, who have had a good record from set pieces in recent seasons.
Combining Arsenal’s threat from set pieces with a player like Sesko could create a lot of chances for Arteta’s side and bring in more goals.
At 21, the Leipzig man has shown himself to be a clinical finisher and someone you can rely on in front of goal. So far this season, Sesko has scored 11 in the league from an xG of 8.
While there is a risk factor due to the price set on the striker, Arsenal may have to take a risk in the summer by paying big for a striker if they want to challenge for the title.
At 21 years old, Sesko would fit right in at Arsenal, joining a young side with experience all over, and he may be the missing piece for Arteta, both short and long-term.
It will be interesting to see if Arsenal can sign Sesko in the summer and if he could make an impact for the Gunners.
