Benjamin Sesko's demand to Arsenal could spark dramatic twist and Viktor Gyokeres transfer

Arsenal are reportedly growing impatient with Benjamin Sesko's wage demands as they attempt to secure a deal for their top summer target. Mikel Arteta is keen to add a No.9 to his squad, but negotiations have reportedly been hampered by the RB Leipzig frontman's salary expectations.

The Gunners are eager to sign the Slovenia international as their marquee summer signing and are reportedly prepared to meet Leipzig's £70million asking price. The German side's failure to qualify for Europe has somewhat necessitated the sale of the highly-rated forward, who is tipped for a move to the Premier League. However, Sesko's representatives are seeking a substantial payday and are demanding more than Arsenal are willing to offer.

As reported by The Sun, this could lead to the north London club pulling out of the deal, with sporting director Andrea Berta said to be negotiating several deals simultaneously as a contingency plan.

If this happens, it could steer the Gunners back towards Viktor Gyokeres. The Swede is keen to leave Sporting CP following another impressive season, having racked up 54 goals in 52 outings for the Portuguese club in the 2024/25 campaign.

Arteta and his team are also conscious Manchester United are particularly interested in Gyokeres. Ruben Amorim would welcome his former Sporting star to Old Trafford, but Arsenal's ability to offer Champions League football would give them an edge in negotiations.

The north Londoners have consciously decided not to sign a high-scoring striker in recent transfer windows, focusing instead on strengthening other areas. But the choice seemed ill-advised last season as they struggled with numerous injuries, while Kai Havertz's finishing let the side down at times.

The team is now feeling the heat to fix their striker dilemma after once again missing out on clinching the Premier League title for a third year in a row. To further complicate matters, Arsenal may also lose out on additional targets, with Nico Williams closing in on a move to Barcelona from Athletic Bilbao.

The Mirror reports Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace has also drawn interest from Arsenal, but the defender is caught in Liverpool's sights, too. And it's understandable he may harbour concerns about his playing time at Arsenal due to the solid pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel.

Nonetheless, there's optimism within the squad about new arrivals, and Jurrien Timber conveyed his expectations on the Matchday podcast: "It will definitely be a busy one for Arsenal. I think we will get a lot of players, because we had so many injuries last season."