Benjamin Sesko looks likely to miss out on a transfer to Arsenal with the Gunners set to complete the signing of Viktor Gyokeres.
The Slovenia international came close to joining Arsenal 12 months ago prior to Euro 2024, but opted to remain with the Bundesliga club and signed a new contract.
After watching their title challenge unravel last season, largely as a consequence of lacking the same firepower as their rivals, Arsenal came back to the negotiating table last month.
New Sporting Director Andrea Berta appeared to be making progress in talks with Leipzig but walked away with the German club digging their heels in.
According to The Independent, Arsenal were still at least €10m away from meeting Leipzig’s asking price and were unhappy with the structure of an €80m deal.
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Meanwhile, agreeing personal terms with Sesko’s camp had been proving equally problematic.
With Mikel Arteta desperate for the arrival of a new centre forward before Arsenal embark on their pre-season tour, the decision was taken to switch focus to Viktor Gyokeres.
Dealing with Sporting Lisbon has been anything but a cakewalk for Berta, but a breakthrough was made in the last 48 hours which means the Sweden international is now destined for the Emirates.
A delegation, led by Berta, jetted in to Lisbon on Friday and agreed a deal that will see Arsenal pay an initial fee of €65million.
The Gunners could end up paying a further €15m, depending on whether or not certain performance related criteria are met.
Expert analysis: Benjamin Sesko
It’s been quite a tough season for Leipzig, which forced them to change coach after a disappointing Champions League campaign. They’ve been struggling, which reflects on his output, but he’s still been one of their best and most consistent players.
Sesko’s strengths are certainly his physicality and speed – he’s great at making dangerous runs in behind defences, but he’s also a very clinical and instinctive finisher, especially when the ball drops to him in the area. His work rate is good and he’s a willing runner off the ball as well.
His hold-up play is quite strong, but I think his link-up play is a side of his game that he can still improve. It’s not that he’s bad at that side of the game, but compared to someone like Havertz, he’s not at that level. In particular, his passing will need to get a lot better in a side like Arsenal.
But during his young career, he’s shown he can take those steps forward. His mentality is definitely a strength – he’s a player who wants to learn and wants to improve so in that sense he will be a quick learner and offers Arsenal something completely different.
Rune Gjerulff, German football expert and editor of Bulinews
Gyokeres is understood to have agreed a five-year deal already and Arsenal could make an announcement as early as next week.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have signed midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
The Spain international, 26, moves to the Emirates Stadium on a long-term deal after the Gunners reportedly triggered his £51million release clause.
Euro 2024 winner Zubimendi had previously been a target for Liverpool and was also linked with Real Madrid.
Zubimendi told the club website: ‘This is a huge moment in my career. It’s the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are.
‘I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come.’
