Arsenal no longer see Newcastle United star Alexander Isak as their top striker target for this summer and will now prioritise the transfer of a ‘special’ and cheaper option.
The north London natives have made handing Mikel Arteta a new centre-forward a key point of business for the off-season. Arsenal believe they must strengthen their attack after falling just shy of winning the Premier League title without their recognised No9s scoring regularly.
Gabriel Jesus spent three periods on the sidelines due to injury across the 2023/24 term and only scored four goals in 27 games when fit. Eddie Nketiah, who turned 25 on Thursday, also failed to find the back of a net after hitting five goals for the term in October over 27 games.
Arsenal replace Alexander Isak with Benjamin Sesko as their top striker target
Such was Jesus and Nketiah’s plight that Arteta started Kai Havertz as Arsenal’s striker in 12 of their final 16 Premier League fixtures. In return for his coach’s trust, the midfielder scored eight goals and six assists in those matches, too. So, Arsenal have explored Isak’s transfer.
According to The Independent, Arteta even viewed Isak as Arsenal’s No1 striker target as he offers lots of positives. The Sun has also reported that, after seeing the 24-year-old score 21 goals in 30 Premier League matches, Arsenal are prepared to pay Newcastle £100m for Isak.
READ MORE: Arsenal 24/25 confirmed signings, transfers in and out, loan exits and releases
But The Telegraph suggests that the Magpies want £180m for their Sweden striker. The Toon even laughed at claims that they may sell Isak for £90m. So, Arteta has now turned Arsenal’s interest to sealing the transfer of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, according to the Mirror.
The Mirror now reports that Sesko is Arsenal’s top striker target for the summer window as Arteta and sporting director Edu identify their final transfer objectives. The Gunners admire what the 20-year-old can bring to Emirates Stadium after scoring 18 goals through 2023/24.
Edu can turn Benjamin Sesko’s head with an early offer to move to Emirates Stadium
Sesko hit 14 of his goals in 31 Bundesliga matches after joining RB Leipzig from the Red Bull outfit’s sister club, RB Salzburg. He also offered 11 of those goals in 2024 alone, including once in each of his final seven appearances. Now, Edu may seal Sesko’s transfer for Arsenal.
According to Dean Jones, if Edu swoops to secure his transfer as soon as the window opens, Arsenal could turn Sesko’s head. The Gunners can even sign Sesko for far less than Isak. Sky Sports Germany journalist Philipp Hinze notes that his release clause is set at €65m (£55m).
READ MORE: Arsenal key dates for the 24/25 season including transfers and fixture releases
RB Leipzig sealing Champions League football thanks to Sesko’s goals increased his release clause from €50m (£42.5m). It might have risen as high as €75m (£64m) if Die Roten Bullen had won any trophies. Now, Arsenal have a clear run at the striker Christopher Vivell adores.
“Benjamin Sesko is among the game’s top young talents and has enormous potential to become a top player,” Vivell said whilst RB Leipzig’s technical director, via Bundesliga.com.
“He has all the qualities to do that. He’s extremely quick, has a great jump on him and is strong in the air. Benjamin is a real goalscorer who – despite his 1.95m (6 ft 4) [height] – is mobile and technically strong. His abilities make him a special player with a special profile.”