Arsenal have reportedly drawn a line in the sand regarding transfer fees for top striker targets Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, considering the asking prices too steep for both players.
According to Sky Sports' Florian Plettenberg, the Gunners are unwilling to meet RB Leipzig's valuation of Sesko, which ranges between €80 million and €100 million. While Arsenal have established contact with the Slovenian striker's representatives, they have yet to reach full agreement on personal terms.
The North London club may now pivot their attention to Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish forward reportedly hopes his Portuguese employers will accept a fee between €60 million and €70 million, though Sporting could demand significantly more for their prized asset.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is determined to strengthen his attacking options ahead of the upcoming season as he aims to secure major silverware after narrowly missing out on the Premier League title in recent campaigns.
Transfer Market Challenges
The Gunners' reluctance to meet these asking prices highlights the challenging nature of the current transfer market, where top strikers command premium fees. Arsenal's cautious approach suggests they are seeking value even as they look to make a statement signing.
Sesko, 21, has impressed at RB Leipzig with his combination of height, pace, and finishing ability, while Gyokeres has been prolific for Sporting CP, attracting interest from multiple Premier League clubs including Manchester United.
Previous reports indicated that Gyokeres might prefer a move to Arsenal over Manchester United, potentially giving the Gunners leverage in negotiations despite Sporting's high valuation.
Arsenal's striker search has also previously included links to Napoli's Victor Osimhen, though recent developments suggest they may have cooled their interest in the Nigerian international.
With pre-season preparations set to begin in the coming weeks, Arsenal will be keen to resolve their striker situation promptly to give any new signing time to integrate with the squad before the 2025/26 campaign kicks off.
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