Benjamin Sesko: Arsenal playing ‘a game of chicken’

Arsenal are reportedly playing “a game of chicken” with RB Leipzig as they look to finalise a deal to bring Benjamin Sesko to the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have identified Sesko as one of their two priority transfer targets for this summer, along with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, and they are in advanced talks over a potential move.

Sesko has scored 39 goals in 87 appearances for Leipzig since joining the club from RB Salzburg in 2023 and he is seen as a player capable of bolstering Mikel Arteta’s options in attack.

However, as exclusively revealed by The Transfers Podcast, Sesko wants Arsenal to include a release clause in his contract and this is currently a major obstacle to overcome.

Reports also indicate that Arsenal aren’t willing to match his lofty wage demands and the transfer has somewhat stalled as a result.

Furthermore, The Independent now claim that Arsenal are playing “a game of chicken” with Leipzig as their valuation of Sesko remains €10 million less than their Bundesliga counterparts.

Arsenal are currently hoping to finalise an agreement over a €70m deal, while Leipzig are eager for the Slovenian’s €80m release clause to be triggered.

The Bundesliga side, who have appointed Werder Bremen’s Ole Werner as their new head coach, are yet to reduce their asking price for Sesko, although Arsenal believe they will be forced to sell the 22-year-old due to their failure to qualify for the Champions League.

Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal update

If Arsenal are unable to finalise a deal for Sekso, they will prioritise a move for Gyokeres, but their pursuit of the Sweden star is equally complicated.

He is currently embroiled in a civil war with Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas and he has insisted that he will never play for the club again.

As revealed by The Transfers Podcast, Gyokeres joined Sporting with the promise that he would be sold if he presented the Portuguese giants with an offer of €60m. However, they have refused to sanction a sale for that fee and Gyokeres has threatened to go on strike in order to force through a move to Arsenal.

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