EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal make Sesko priority target as Newcastle set to deny Gunners Isak

Steve Kay

• Updated: 3 May 2024 13:42 BST
• 2 min read

Exclusive

Arsenal are very unlikely to sign Alexander Isak in the summer but the club’s interest in RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has intensified recently, FootballTransfers can reveal.

The club have been reconsidering their pursuit of a high-profile goalscorer due to the impressive form of Kai Havertz and don’t wish to get into a bidding war for the Magpies’ hitman, despite recent reports to the contrary.

We are told Havertz's success in fitting into Arsenal's style of play has prompted Mikel Arteta to rethink his plans to sign a 20-goal-a-season striker, especially one that would cost a significant amount. Since the calendar year, the German has fitted perfectly into Arsenal's playing style by scoring 15 goals while poised as the No.9.

EXCLUSIVE: Crystal Palace brace for Olise and Eze departures with move for Arsenal winger

The club were originally targeting Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP as well as Isak, but now Sesko is thought to be the preference.

The Slovenia International has the more affordable release clause of €50m compared to Gyokeres' €100m. Newcastle will ask north of €120m for Isak, meanwhile.

Indeed, Sesko now is a bargain option, potentially allowing Arsenal to allocate more funds to strengthen other areas of the team, such as the midfield.

The 20-year-old has scored 15 goals for RB Leipzig across all competitions this season for the German outfit.

Sesko's similarities to Havertz has further bolstered Arsenal's interest. The youngster’s agent, Elvis Basanovic, was spotted at the Emirates Stadium during the recent Premier league fixture against Chelsea.

Reiss Nelson set for Arsenal exit

It comes after FootballTransfers’ exclusive story that Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is proactively prepared for the possibility of star players Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise departing in the summer by expressing interest in Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson.

Nelson is high on the list for the Eagles as a replacement for Eze or Olise, if either player were to depart Selhurst Park at the end of the season.

Both Palace stars have been linked with moves away from the club in the summer transfer window but it’s not clear whether both are certain to leave.