Arsenal are planning to make a formal bid for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, according to Inside the Cannon.
The transfer insider (formerly known as TheAFCBell), claims that the Gunners are preparing an offer for the Slovenian international as they seek to trump Chelsea in the race for his signature:
In a recent update, it has been relayed to us from two sources with direct knowledge of the situation that Arsenal are preparing a formal offer for Benjamin Šeško. The club is working hard to complete the deal before Euro 2024. Chelsea are closely monitoring the situation. pic.twitter.com/V8rRzpVZTo
— Inside the Cannon (@InsideTheCannon) June 3, 2024
As Inside the Cannon mention, the aim is to seal Sesko’s signature before the start of the European Championships, which kicks off in 10 days’ time.
That corroborates what the 21-year-old’s agent Elvis Basanovic said last month when he revealed the player wanted to have his future resolved prior to the Euros.
Arsenal will have competition for the striker
Chelsea (as already mentioned) and Manchester United are both known to be interested in Sesko as well, but it looks as though the Blues will present the biggest threat.
Enzo Maresca’s side are reportedly prepared to pay the Slovenian’s buyout fee in full, which currently stands at €65m (£55m). However, due to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules, it is not certain whether the Gunners will be able to do the same.
Mikel Arteta’s side are poised to sign David Raya from Brentford on a permanent basis for £27m and the club are thought to be in a tight spot financially.
Sesko’s release clause expires
While the European Championships appears to be a deadline that the player and his agent have unilaterally set, there is a more pressing reason why Arsenal may want to get a deal done quickly.
Reports in the German media claim Sesko’s transfer clause actually expires on June 30th, so teams don’t have much time to sign him before his price skyrockets.