Arsenal working to finalise deal for Bundesliga striker

Arsenal defender Gabriel has signed a new long-term contract with the club. 

The Gunners announced on Friday that the Brazilian centre-back has penned a new long-term agreement with the North London club, having joined in 2020.

Mikel Arteta’s side have finished second in the Premier League in each of the past three seasons, and the Spaniard will want to see his side go one better next term.

With that in mind, it appears that the London giants are pushing ahead in their pursuit of a new striker.

According to TBR Football, Arsenal are progressing with their move for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenia international has emerged as the Gunners’ prime target as they look to bolster Arteta’s attacking options this summer, and the report claims that discussions over a deal are progressing.

Sesko, 22, joined Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg in the summer of 2023 and has since played 87 times for his current club across all competitions, scoring 39 goals.

It is claimed that the Gunners are likely to agree a deal for Sesko that will cost them less than the player’s release clause.

While Arsenal are hopeful of reaching an agreement for a fee of around £60 million, the report suggests that the deal is likely to cost closer to £70 million.

Sesko netted 21 times in 45 games for Leipzig last term and will add much-needed firepower to Arteta’s squad, with both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz having struggled in front of goal last season.

The Slovenian is said to now be Arsenal’s main transfer target, ahead of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, although the London side could still move to sign the latter if they fail to land Sesko.