Arsenal are reportedly being forced to hatch a 'Plan C' in an attempt to sign a new striker as talks for Benjamin Sesko & Viktor Gyokeres stall.
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Arsenal desperate to sign a quality no.9Both Gyokeres & Sesko are high prioritiesNo significant progress has been madeFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The north London side had been hoping to finalise a deal for a top-class forward well before their pre-season tour to Singapore and Hong Kong in mid-July. However, as talks stagnate, the Gunners are having to reassess their approach, as revealed by
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RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko was once seen as the frontrunner to lead Arsenal’s attack next season. It was previously thought that a fee of around £60 million ($81.17m) could be enough to lure the 22-year-old Slovenian away from Germany. But Leipzig are now insisting on a figure closer to the £70m ($95m) release clause in Sesko's contract. This unexpected hike has forced Arsenal to pause their plans, with the club still reluctant to lodge a formal bid. The rising interest from two Saudi Arabian clubs has further complicated matters, as Arsenal fear getting drawn into a bidding war that could spiral out of control.
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Gyokeres has also emerged as a key target after a stellar season in Portugal, guiding Sporting CP to another domestic league title. Initial reports suggested that the Swedish international could be signed for less than his £85m ($115m) buyout clause. However, Sporting president Frederico Varandas publicly denied the existence of any prior gentleman’s agreement allowing Gyokeres to leave for £59m ($80m). Sporting are now demanding approximately £67m ($91m) for the 27-year-old, a valuation Arsenal are hesitant to meet, considering the striker's limited resale value.
Both Gyokeres and Sesko are believed to be aware that Arsenal are unlikely to sign more than one striker this summer. The result has reportedly been frustration in both camps, as the two forwards find themselves indirectly pitted against one another in a competition for a single opportunity.
ARSENAL'S PLAN 'C'
Given the complications surrounding both Sesko and Gyokeres, Arsenal are actively preparing a ‘Plan C’ strategy. One such option is Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, who is valued at around £60m ($81m) and remains on Arteta’s shortlist. The club is also considering Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, who has prior experience in the Premier League.