Arsenal threaten U-turn over Benjamin Sesko demand with Viktor Gyokeres waiting

Arsenal are said to be becoming increasingly exasperated with Benjamin Sesko's wage demands as they attempt to secure a deal for their top summer target. Mikel Arteta has prioritised the addition of a No. 9, but negotiations have hit a snag due to the player's salary expectations.

The Gunners are keen on making the Slovenian their big summer signing and are reportedly prepared to meet RB Leipzig's £70million valuation. The German club's failure to qualify for Europe this coming season has somewhat necessitated the sale, with the forward tipped for a move to the Premier League.

However, Sesko's representatives are understood to be seeking a hefty pay packet. And it's understood the expectation is more than what Arsenal are willing to offer.

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As reported by The Sun, this could yet lead to the north London club pulling out of the deal. Sporting director Andrea Berta has been negotiating multiple deals simultaneously as a contingency plan.

This could potentially steer the Gunners towards Viktor Gyokeres. The Sweden striker is eager to depart Sporting CP following another impressive season in front of goal, though the Mirror say the 27-year-old is aware he isn't Arsenal's first choice.

Arteta and his team are also aware of Manchester United's strong interest in Gyokeres. Ruben Amorim would be happy to reunite with his former player at Old Trafford, but Arsenal's place in the Champions League would give them an edge in negotiations.

The north Londoners have refrained from signing a top striker in recent transfer windows and have kept their focus on other position. But last season's injuries and Kai Havertz's inconsistent finishing highlighted the need for reinforcements up top.

The Gunners are feeling the heat to resolve their attacking conundrum after another Premier League title slipped away this season. That marked a third consecutive runner-up finish in the table, and attack was one area in which they didn't match up to rivals Liverpool or Manchester City.

To worsen matters, transfer targets might be eluding Arsenal as the weeks wear on. It's understood Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams is on the brink of a move to Barcelona after months of links between him and Arteta's side.

Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi. However, his prospects could look uncertain given the duo of Williams Saliba and Gabriel already form a solid partnership. Despite these concerns, there's optimism in the ranks about new signings.

There's also the small matter of Liverpool's reported interest as they seek a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk. The reigning Premier League champions boast a certain allure Arsenal can't match for most, and Guehi may be more tempted by Arne Slot's project over the Emirates.

Jurrien Timber expressed confidence in his club's ability to draw top talents while speaking on the Matchday podcast. The Dutchman addressed the club's transfer ambitions but assured this summer is going to heat up.

"It will definitely be a busy one for Arsenal," said former Ajax defender Timber. "I think we will get a lot of players, because we had so many injuries last season."

More than a few Gunners fans will be hoping that projection proves accurate as they look to end their 22-year title hoodoo. But it appears Sesko may not be part of any reinforcement as long as his salary demands prove too rich for Arsenal's blood.