Benjamin Sesko to Arsenal transfer twist as dream scenario emerges for Andrea Berta

Arsenal's chase for Benjamin Sesko has received a boost as RB Leipzig are reportedly willing to lower their asking price. The Gunners, who have yet to secure a centre-forward in the summer transfer window, have identified Sesko as their prime target.

Mikel Arteta recognises the need for a top-tier striker to enhance their attacking prowess after finishing second in the Premier League for the third consecutive year. Sporting director Andrea Berta is charged with securing such a signing and has been exploring deals for Sesko and Sporting Lisbon's prolific forward Viktor Gyokeres.

However, there has been a lull in activity recently, much to the frustration of some fans eager for a new striker. Yet, it appears that Arsenal's patience might pay off, with Bild [via the Mirror] reporting a shift in Leipzig's stance.

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The German club was initially thought to be demanding between €80million and €100m (£68m and £85m) for Sesko, a figure that deterred the Premier League side, prompting them to consider other options.

Now, it's suggested that a fee of €70m (£59.7m) could be enough to secure the 22-year-old, who is contracted with Leipzig until June 2029 and netted 21 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions last season.

Arsenal have been keeping tabs on Sesko and rate him higher than Gyokeres for several reasons. At 22, the Slovenian international is five years younger than the former Coventry City forward and competes in the Bundesliga, which is considered more challenging than Portugal's top tier.

Sesko has expressed interest in a Premier League switch this summer, contrasting with Gyokeres' current tension at Sporting. When questioned about speculation that he was pressuring Leipzig to reduce their valuation, his agent Elvis Basanovic clarified: "This is far from truth.

"We respect RB Leipzig and I am 100 per cent convinced RB Leipzig will also respect our decision for the next step when we decide to do it. Even if there may be – or will be – a strong desire of the player to move to a certain club, we will never force or blackmail RB Leipzig.

"I believe this is not the right way, because the way you actually exit from the club shows your values. Values that you are bringing into a new club. I can understand in very big transfers, there are a lot of different interests but no matter what, I believe in football world should be more respect.

"So that's why we do things in the right way or we don't do them. It's very simple, even maybe in the media it looks very complicated."