Arsenal wanted to sign a striker at the beginning of this summer’s transfer window and had their sights set on Benjamin Sesko. However, the deal failed to reach any kind of advanced stages because the Slovenian forward’s desire to remain with RB Leipzig for another season.
Since, Arsenal have not pursued any other centre-forward this window, instead signing Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino – the latter of whom was finally confirmed on Tuesday afternoon. However, they are in the market for a forward before Friday’s deadline yet it is unlikely to be a striker and instead a wide man.
Sesko might indeed have plenty to do with this preference however and could explain why names like Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen have not been pursued. While certainly both have been forwards that the club have followed and kept track of, neither have convinced Arsenal, nor anyone at this stage, to make a meaningful approach for.
Despite signing a new contract with RB Leipzig on improved terms and the previous £55million release clause being removed, there are details in place which could benefit Arsenal. The new deal was only a one-year extension on the existing contract that lasted until 2028.