The Gunners are prepared to activate record fee for their desired Bundesliga strike sensation ahead of Mikel Arteta's elite No.9 hunt.
Introduction:
Arsenal are launching a strong bid to sign RB Leipzig teenager Benjamin Šeško in the summer window for a fee of up to £113.5 million. Following their dominant league campaign in the Bundesliga and with Champions League football already set for next season, the Gunners are upping the ante to sign a world-class striker to lead the line — and Šeško is their top target.
The 22-year-old Slovenian has been of interest to various European heavyweights, but it is Arsenal who appear most keen to sign the mercurial 6ft 4in striker. Mikel Arteta is convinced he is the missing piece in the title-threatening jigsaw at the club.
Why Benjamin Šeško Is Arsenal's Priority Target This Summer
Šeško came into his own with RB Leipzig in 2023/24, scoring 21 goals and registering phenomenal physicality, astute movement, and lethal finishing. Comparisons have been drawn with Erling Haaland not only because of his physical stature but also on account of direct methods of attack and goal-poaching traits.
Since his transfer to Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg in 2023, Šeško has scored 39 goals in 87 matches and is among Europe's most lethal young forwards. Arsenal, seeking a natural centre-forward, have had him under their radar since the January window.
At that time, Leipzig's price tag deterred the Gunners. But today, with greater financial freedom and tactical need, Arsenal are said to be willing to go beyond Šeško's £90 million buyout clause, up to £113.5 million if needed, to beat their rivals Manchester United and Chelsea.
Arsenal's Striker Situation: The Need for a Natural No.9
Despite finishing the previous season on a high, Arsenal lacked a traditional center-forward who could play the lead role in big games. Flexibility came with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz but not physicality and consistent finishing that Arteta's style demands.
Arteta's tactical structure demands a striker who can:
Hold up play under pressure,
Attack crosses with aerial force,
Punish defensive lines with pace and precision,
And score chances with frequency.
Benjamin Šeško is the quintessential example. Already 22 years of age, he can potentially be an instant sparkplug as well as a long-term answer for the Emirates.
Transfer rivalry and rival clubs heat up
Although Arsenal are favorites, they are not alone. Chelsea and Manchester United are also reported to be monitoring Šeško's situation. United are looking for a backup or alternative to the injured Rasmus Højlund, whereas Chelsea are continuing to seek a consistent frontman after a string of inconsistent forwards.
But Champions League qualification for Arsenal, clear-cut tactical know-how in Arteta, and strengthening squad depth make them an attractive destination. The Gunners are reportedly already in contact with Leipzig, showing intent to get the deal done early in the window.
Šeško vs. Other Options: Why Not Gyökeres
If they are unable to acquire him, Arsenal are reportedly eyeing Sporting CP's Viktor Gyökeres as a backup. The Swedish striker had an excellent season in Portugal and can be signed for a bit lower price.
Arsenal's scouts and administrators have Šeško as the more refined striker — younger, higher-ceilinged, and better suited to the Premier League's speed and strength.
Gyökeres is a good shout, but Benjamin Šeško is clearly Arsenal's number one target for their summer.
A Transfer That Declares Arsenal's Title Ambitions
A potential £113.5 million signing looks likely to be one of the biggest in Arsenal history, shattering previous records and making a big statement to Arsenal's domestic and European rivals. This means that Arsenal are no longer content to just contest — they want to win major honours.
Bringing a striker of Šeško's class in would:
Improve the club's chances of scoring,
Reduce dependency on such wingers as Saka and Martinelli,
And set the tone for an attacking, title-challenging campaign.
Conclusion: Will Šeško Be Wearing Red and White Next Season?
The next few weeks will tell. Arsenal must act fast if they are going to get the deal over the line, especially with other clubs in the hunt. But if they do, and Šeško does make the switch to the Emirates, it would perhaps be one of the biggest signings of the 2024 summer transfer period.
The Mikel Arteta plan is clear: build a team that can dominate England and Europe. Benjamin Šeško would be a massive move in that direction.
