Arsenal have escalated their efforts to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško, identifying the 21-year-old Slovenian as their primary target to bolster their attacking lineup ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Negotiations Underway

Reports indicate that Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, recently held a confidential meeting in London with RB Leipzig’s sporting director, Marcel Schäfer, to discuss the potential transfer of Šeško. The discussions focused on payment structures and the player’s release clause, which is believed to be approximately £69 million (€82 million), contingent on performance-related variables.

Šeško’s contract with Leipzig, extended until 2029, includes a variable release clause, making the financial aspects of the deal a focal point in the negotiations.

Arsenal’s Strategic Focus

Following a season where Arsenal finished second in the Premier League and reached the semi-finals of both the Carabao Cup and the Champions League, the club is keen to address the lack of a consistent goal-scoring striker. Injuries to key players like Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz highlighted the need for a reliable centre-forward.

Šeško, who netted 21 goals in the 2024/25 season, has emerged as a promising solution. His combination of physical presence, technical skill, and speed has drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland, though Šeško cites Zlatan Ibrahimović as his footballing idol.

Competition for the Signature

Arsenal are not alone in their interest; Manchester United are reportedly monitoring the situation closely. United’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, who previously signed Šeško to RB Salzburg, could leverage his relationship with the player to sway the transfer in their favor.