Arsenal Set Crucial Deadline for Striker Deal Amid £20M Gap in Sesko Negotiations, Gyokeres Close to Move

Arsenal are racing against time to secure a new striker ahead of the upcoming season, with a key deadline set for negotiations. Despite a £20 million gap in their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres emerges as a more promising option, with manager Mikel Arteta playing a pivotal role in the forward’s decision.

Arsenal Set to Finalize Striker Deal with Key Deadline Approaching Amid £20M Fee Disagreement

Arsenal are determined to secure a striker before the summer transfer window closes, with the Gunners setting a crucial mid-July deadline to finalize a deal. Manager Mikel Arteta is pushing to add attacking reinforcements after a disappointing 2024/25 season that saw the club fall short of expectations, finishing second in the Premier League for a third straight year without securing any major silverware.

With Kepa Arrizabalaga already added to the squad, Arsenal are now focused on completing further signings, including Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and Cristhian Mosquera. However, the club’s most pressing concern remains their forward line, which struggled last season, leaving Arteta desperate for a solution.

While the Gunners have been scouring the market for potential attacking reinforcements, reports suggest that Benjamin Sesko remains Arsenal’s top priority, despite an ongoing impasse with RB Leipzig. The two clubs are £20 million apart on the player’s valuation, with Leipzig holding firm at £80 million for the Slovenian striker, while Arsenal are reluctant to go beyond £60 million.

We have set ourselves a key deadline — mid-July — to secure an agreement for Sesko,” a source close to the club stated. “The gap in valuation is significant, but discussions are ongoing.”

With no formal bid submitted yet, Arsenal’s position is clear, and they are hoping to find common ground before the clock runs out.

Viktor Gyokeres Emerges as Stronger Contender

Meanwhile, Viktor Gyokeres, another key striker target for the Gunners, is inching closer to a move to North London. The Sporting Lisbon forward has reportedly chosen Arsenal as his next destination, with Arteta’s vision playing a significant role in Gyokeres’ decision to reject more financially attractive offers from rival clubs.

According to insiders, Arteta has played a direct role in shaping Gyokeres’ decision, offering him a central role in Arsenal’s long-term attacking plans and the chance to compete in the Champions League, an opportunity that proved decisive in the striker’s choice.

Despite Gyokeres’ desire to move to Arsenal, Sporting Lisbon are holding firm on their asking price, reportedly €80 million (around £70 million), and negotiations are still ongoing.

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What’s Next for Arsenal?

As the deadline approaches, Arsenal face a critical decision in their bid to bolster their attack. Whether they succeed in securing Sesko or pivot to Gyokeres, it’s clear that Arteta is focused on shaping a competitive squad for the upcoming campaign.

Stay tuned for more updates as the transfer saga continues to unfold.