TBR Football can exclusively confirm what Arsenal sources are saying about the club’s pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres as talks over Benjamin Sesko hit a stumbling block.
Arsenal are eager to strengthen their attacking ranks this summer after a season in which additional firepower may well have helped them win the title.
Arsenal have been pushing for Sesko, but RB Leipzig are insisting on an overall deal worth €80million (£67million), which has left the striker “hugely frustrated”.
As a result, speculation has begun doing the rounds regarding Arsenal holding further talks with Gyokeres as a potential alternative.
Arsenal held talks with Viktor Gyokeres’ camp and with RB Leipzig over Benjamin Sesko
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has confirmed that Arsenal have indeed held further talks with Gyokeres’ camp.
However, Bailey stressed that Arsenal never called off talks over Gyokeres, and Sesko is well aware of this.
The Gunners have also held further talks with Leipzig’s camp today, with both dossiers “progressing”, but as things stand, Sesko is the frontrunner.
“Sesko knows Arsenal have maintained talks with Gyokeres, and it’s true that the Gunners have held talks over the Sporting CP striker,” Bailey exclusively told TBR Football.
“At no point have Arsenal called off talks, but clearly, and as we know, they have progressed further as they have, and are talking to Leipzig – but they are not talking to Sporting yet.
“So yeah, they have talked to Gyokeres’ camp today, but I am told they’ve spoken to Leipzig too – they really are progressing with both, but Sesko still further forward at this point.”
Other players on Arsenal radar
It’s long been believed that Martin Zubimendi could be Arsenal’s first recruit under new sporting director Andrea Berta.
However, Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga may now be Arsenal’s first signing this summer, with an agreement said to be close.
Bryan Mbeumo has also been linked with Arsenal, while the Under-21 European Championship has a number of top talents who the Gunners are monitoring.
