Benjamin Sesko to Arsenal transfer takes new twist with Chelsea ready to strike

Chelsea have already signed Liam Delap this summer, but the Blues are still pursuing a deal for another striker and that could lead them to gazump Arsenal for Benjamin Sesko

Chelsea could rival Arsenal for the signature of Benjamin Sesko this summer, with the Gunners still yet to make up their minds. Sesko is on Arsenal’s shortlist as they look to sign a world-class striker in the summer transfer window, but so is Viktor Gyokeres – and that indecision could cost them.

Mikel Arteta’s side know they need to splash the cash to sign a centre-forward this summer, having finished second in the Premier League for three straight seasons and come up short in the semi-finals of the Champions League. They have been monitoring Sesko for some time and came close to signing him last summer – yet their failure to move quickly could come back to bite them.

Chelsea have already signed a striker this summer, having beaten Manchester United to the £30million signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich. Yet the Blues might not be done there, with another striker a real possibility.

Enzo Maresca’s side are currently locked in negotiations with Borussia Dortmund over the signing of winger Jamie Gittens. They have seen an initial offer of €35m (£29.5m) rejected by Dortmund, but are expected to return with an improved bid in the coming days.

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However, Sky Sports says they are also pondering whether to push for another striker, with Hugo Ekitike and Sesko on their shortlist. As Mirror Football have reported, Chelsea have reached an advanced stage of talks with Eintracht Frankfurt star Ekitike, who could cost £84m (€100m).

But Sesko would represent a cheaper alternative, with Mirror Football understanding that the RB Leipzig striker is available for £60m this summer. Arsenal have held discussions with Leipzig and the Slovenian striker’s representatives, yet nothing has been agreed.

Arsenal already face competition from United for Gyokeres, who previously played under Ruben Amorim at Sporting, and now face fresh competition from Chelsea for Sesko. It is a tricky situation for the Gunners, who desperately need new firepower up front after injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus showed their limitations in the position.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Which striker should Arsenal go for: Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres? Comment below.

Sesko pulled out of Slovenia’s clash against Luxembourg on Friday to intensify speculation that he is about to seal a transfer away from Germany. Arsenal asked Leipzig about the possibility of signing Sesko in January, only to be told they would not sell mid-season.

The 22-year-old striker scored 21 goals and notched six assists in all competitions for Leipzig last season. But Leipzig finished seventh in the Bundesliga to miss out on European football for 2025/26 and the time has come for them to cash in on their star player.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is the man tasked with overseeing their transfer plans this summer. As well as a striker, that includes the £5m signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea to provide back-up to David Raya, and the £51m signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

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