Arsenal to face competition from multiple Saudi clubs for transfer of priority striker target: Reports

Arsenal will face competition from the Middle East in the race to sign Benjamin Sesko this summer, according to journalist Sam Dean. The Gunners are eager to rope in a new No. 9 ahead of the start of the new season and have identified the Slovenian as an option.

Sesko was also a target for the north London side in the summer of 2024, but a move failed to materialize. The 22-year-old is coming off an impressive campaign with RB Leipzig, registering 21 goals and six assists from 45 games.

His efforts have convinced Mikel Arteta, who wants Sesko to spearhead the attack next season. Arsenal are already in touch with the Bundesliga club to understand the requirements of a deal.

Sesko is under contract at the Red Bull Arena until 2029, and is likely to cost €80 million. The Gunners haven't shied away from breaking the bank for their targets in recent years.

New sporting director Andrea Berta also has Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres and Aston Villa hitman Ollie Watkins on his radar. But it is now believed that the Slovenian is the north London side's preferred target.

However, Arsenal will face competition from two clubs from Saudi Arabia, including Al-Hilal, in the race for Sesko. However, the player reportedly wants to continue his stay in Europe, which could work in the Gunners' favor.

Are Arsenal eyeing a move for Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer?

Arsenal are working to take Kepa Arrizabalaga to the Emirates this summer, according to Sky Sports. The Spanish goalkeeper joined Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao in the summer of 2018 for a reported £71.8 million.

However, Kepa has fallen out of favor of late and spent the 2024-25 campaign out on loan to Bournemouth. The 30-year-old was quite impressive with the Cherries, registering nine clean sheets from 35 games.

Kepa is no longer part of the Blues' plans and is likely to leave Stamford Bridge permanently this summer. Interestingly, the Spaniard signed a new contract with Chelsea before leaving on loan last summer, which includes a £5 million release clause.

It is now being reported that Arsenal are looking to exercise that option in the coming days.

With Neto returning to Bournemouth at the end of his loan spell, the Gunners want Kepa to be the backup to David Raya in the squad. Kepa is apparently keen to make the move and fight for a place in Mikel Arteta's starting XI.

About the author

Deepungsu is a veteran football journalist who has been covering daily transfer roundups and news for over six years at Sportskeeda. He has written over 9000 articles for the website, and has garnered 20 million reads.

Deepungsu holds a PG degree in Microbiology and an MBA degree in Total Quality Management. He has an extensive two-decade long writing experience, which includes a decade of sports blogging. His writing prowess has even led his work getting cited on the legendary Franz Beckenbauer's Wikipedia page.

Inspired by Diego Maradona, Deepungsu played as an attacking midfielder for his local club at subdivision level in his initial years and scored an important goal or two. However, his all-time favorite footballer is Lionel Messi, and evidently, he feels Argentina's glory in 2022 is his favorite FIFA World Cup moment for fulfilling his long-standing dream. He is also an ardent East Bengal fan.

Deepungsu has been a Manchester United supporter since the year 2000. Unsurprisingly, his favorite manager is Sir Alex Ferguson and the Scotsman helped him get through some of the toughest days of his life. Like the fiery Scot, Deepungsu also leaves no stone unturned when it comes to accuracy in articles and only relies on credible sources.

Despite believing in Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland to create an iconic rivalry, Deepungsu reckons no one can match the longevity of Messi and Ronaldo. He spends his leisure time writing about life on his blog, reading books, and playing the guitar.

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Edited by Ritwik Kumar