Benjamin Sesko to Arsenal could collapse for two reasons despite being ‘nearly done’

Arsenal’s pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has been making headlines in recent weeks, with the 21-year-old Slovenian forward reportedly on the verge of a move to the Emirates Stadium. However, despite the optimism surrounding this transfer, two significant issues threaten to derail what many believed was a near-completed deal.

The Gunners are in clear need of a prolific goal scorer, having struggled to find consistent firepower up front this season. Mikel Arteta’s side currently trail league leaders Liverpool by 15 points and are locked in a tense battle to retain their second-place position. The lack of a reliable striker has been pinpointed as a major factor behind Arsenal’s underwhelming campaign, especially following injuries to key attackers Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

Benjamin Sesko has emerged as one of the top candidates to fill this glaring void. The young striker has showcased impressive potential during his time at Leipzig, scoring 21 goals despite the team’s overall struggles in the Bundesliga. His age and skillset suggest he could be a long-term solution for Arsenal’s forward line. But there are two crucial reasons why this transfer might not go through after all.

Firstly, Arsenal remains undecided between Sesko and another striking option, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres. The Swedish striker has been in phenomenal form in Portugal, boasting a remarkable tally of 52 goals in 50 appearances. While Sesko is younger and offers future upside, Gyökeres is considered more of a “finished product” and could provide immediate impact. His reported availability for around £60 million has made him an attractive alternative for the Gunners.

Secondly, the recent arrival of Andrea Berta as Arsenal’s new sporting director has reportedly shifted the club’s interest back towards Gyökeres. Despite Arsenal having completed much of the groundwork for Sesko’s transfer, Berta’s influence may cause a strategic rethink. This development adds a layer of uncertainty, casting doubt on whether Arsenal will finalize the deal with Sesko or pivot towards another target.

The Slovenian striker’s situation at Leipzig also complicates matters. Sesko signed a contract extension with the Bundesliga club last summer, a move praised by his agent Elvis Basanovic. Basanovic emphasized the importance of Sesko staying in Germany to gain more experience and develop further before making a leap to a more demanding league like the Premier League.

In an interview, Basanovic remarked, “We knew keeping him at Leipzig was the right decision. After six months, he’s a much better player. What he needs is more experience, and at 21, it’s important not to rush his development.” This careful approach means Sesko might not be in a hurry to move, preferring continued growth in a familiar environment rather than immediately stepping into Premier League pressures.

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s striker search has not been limited to Sesko and Gyökeres. The club has also been linked with Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, who has scored 15 league goals this season and is reportedly attracting interest from multiple Premier League teams, including Manchester United. Additionally, forwards Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa and Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt remain under consideration, though a move for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak seems unlikely.

This extensive scouting and alternative targets reveal the complexity of Arsenal’s striker dilemma. With injuries and inconsistent form plaguing their attack, the club faces a critical decision about which player best fits their immediate and long-term ambitions.

If the Sesko transfer falls through, Arsenal could face significant pressure to act quickly to secure another forward before the summer window closes. Arteta’s side cannot afford to enter next season without a clear goal-scoring threat, especially with Liverpool and Manchester City continuing to strengthen their squads.

Fans following the saga will be keen to hear any updates as Arsenal continues negotiations and finalizes their recruitment plans. The decision between Sesko and other options could define the club’s success or failure in the upcoming campaign.

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