RB Leipzig are working hard to keep hold of forward Benjamin Sesko as Arsenal plot a move to sign him this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Slovenia international has a £56million release clause in his contract, which reportedly needs to be triggered before the end of June.
The Bundesliga side are now attempting to remove the 20-year-old’s buyout clause from his deal in a bid to ensure he remains at the club, with his contract set to run until 2028.
Arsenal are also interested in signing Viktor Gyokeres, but Football Insider revealed the north London club could be priced out of a deal for the Sporting Lisbon striker.
It is believed the Portuguese champions will hold out for the Sweden international’s full £86million release clause this summer.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider money will be made available to Mikel Arteta once the transfer window reopens, but the Gunners manager will not have unlimited funds after heavy spending last year.
Arsenal could pursue Benjamin Sesko deal instead of Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres is one of the most highly-coveted strikers in Europe following his stunning first season at Sporting.
The 25-year-old registered 43 goals and 15 assists in 49 games across all competitions after signing from Coventry City for £20million on a deal until 2028.
Arsenal are desperate to bring in a new forward this summer, with Football Insider revealing the club are ready to listen to offers for Gabriel Jesus to raise funds for a “big-money signing”.
Sesko is now viewed as potentially the more viable option due to his release clause being much lower than the fee Sporting are demanding for Gyokeres.
The Slovenian has scored 18 goals in 42 games for Leipzig since signing from Red Bull Salzburg for £20million last summer.
