SATURDAY MORNING UPDATE: Arsenal have successfully reached personal terms with a highly prolific £90m-rated attacker. The player reportedly turned down a major offer from Liverpool to commit to Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta closing in on his second signing of the summer transfer window.

SATURDAY MORNING UPDATE: Arsenal are edging closer to securing the signing of highly-rated forward Benjamin Sesko, with personal terms already agreed between the player and the club.

In what could be a major boost for Arsenal’s attacking options, the Gunners have reportedly reached personal terms with the 21-year-old Slovenian striker, Benjamin Sesko. The news marks a significant development in Arsenal’s summer transfer business as they aim to strengthen their squad for a serious title challenge in the upcoming Premier League season.

Sesko, who currently plays for Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, has been the subject of intense interest this summer. Liverpool had reportedly tabled a lucrative offer for the striker, but it appears the player has opted to join Arsenal instead. This decision underlines the ambition of Mikel Arteta’s side and the growing appeal of their project in North London.

According to well-placed sources, including Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal are deep into negotiations with Leipzig. The two clubs are believed to be ironing out the finer details of the transfer fee, which could be close to the player’s release clause, valued at around €80 million (£90 million).

The Gunners’ sporting director, Andrea Berta, has been instrumental in these discussions, maintaining close contact with Leipzig’s sporting director Marcel Schafer. Arteta’s long-standing admiration for Sesko is widely acknowledged, with the manager seeing the towering forward as a crucial piece for his tactical plans.

Standing at an imposing 6ft 5in, Sesko is known for his aerial prowess and physicality. However, he is not just a traditional target man; his technical ability, dribbling skills, and tactical versatility make him a unique asset in modern football. His playing style could add a new dimension to Arsenal’s attack, providing a blend of strength and skill that has been somewhat missing.

Over the past season, Sesko has demonstrated remarkable consistency. He netted 21 goals and assisted six times in 45 appearances, following an impressive previous campaign with 18 goals. His knack for scoring headers and his aggressive pressing game have drawn praise from pundits and fans alike.

One of the standout features of Sesko’s game is his work rate. He ranked seventh in the Bundesliga for total sprints this season, clocking an impressive 875 sprints. This level of intensity aligns well with Arteta’s philosophy, which demands relentless effort both on and off the ball.

Despite the growing interest, sources suggest that Sesko is keen on assurances about his role in the team. Last year, he hesitated to move to Arsenal because he feared being a backup to Kai Havertz, who was preferred as the first-choice striker. This time around, Arteta is believed to be willing to offer a more prominent role to convince Sesko to join.

If the deal goes through, Sesko would be Arsenal’s second signing of the summer, further signaling the club’s intent to challenge Manchester City’s dominance in the Premier League. With a hefty £400 million war chest reportedly released by owner Stan Kroenke, Arsenal appear ready to back Arteta’s vision with significant investment.

The potential arrival of Sesko also fits into a broader recruitment strategy focused on youth, athleticism, and versatility. Arsenal are not just looking for marquee signings but players who can grow with the team and adapt to various tactical setups.

As Arsenal fans eagerly await confirmation, the next few weeks could see a flurry of activity at the Emirates. The Gunners are also expected to make further moves in midfield and defense, aiming to build a balanced squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.

For now, all eyes are on the final negotiations and whether Arsenal can finalize this marquee signing before the summer transfer window officially opens. If successful, Sesko’s signing could be the catalyst for a new era at the club, one filled with promise and high expectations.