EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal remain Sesko favourites despite €80m release clause

Steve Kay

Updated: 4 Mar 2025 08:55 GMT
4 min read

FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal have been aware of Benjamin Sesko's €80 million release clause for some time.

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On Monday, Sky Germany revealed that the RB Leipzig striker has a formal release clause in his contract, contrary to previous reports that only spoke of a 'gentleman's agreement' between him and his club for a 2025 transfer.

FootballTransfers sources have corroborated the reports from Germany and we understand that this revelation does not at all change the situation pertaining to his future.

In fact, we are told that front-runners Arsenal have been aware of these contract developments for some time, at least since the January transfer window when they made fresh enquiries into the 21-year-old's availability.

Although a host of Premier League clubs are interested in the Slovenia international, Arsenal remain the firm favourites to secure Sesko's signature after managing to convince him of their project last summer.

Sesko's preference for Arsenal remains unchanged despite his decision to stay and sign a new contract at Leipzig last year.

Sesko's release clause

Before agreeing fresh terms last summer, Sesko's deal contained a variable release clause that had risen from €50m to €65m due to his red-hot second half of 2023/24.

His new clause is structured in a similar way, although the money involved has naturally increased. Sesko's current buyout fee stands at €70m, but it could rise to as high as €80m before the end of the season depending on his performances.

Indeed, we hear that there is an expectation that Sesko will ultimately cost €80m and this is exactly what Arsenal are budgeting for. This is why, as we previously revealed, they only offered around £40m (€48m) for Ollie Watkins during their January talks with Aston Villa, not the £60m (€73m) reported elsewhere.

Despite being in a very comfortable financial position, Arsenal are wary of falling foul of Profit and Sustainability Rules. Considering that they are planning a summer of lavish spending, they were keen not to overpay for Watkins and potentially jeopardise their ability to sign Sesko and other targets.

Arsenal are in advanced talks over Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad, who will cost around €60m, and Norwegian wonderkid Sverre Nypan. They may also have to dip into the market for a second-choice goalkeeper, while they retain an interest in Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, who would also cost in the region of €60m.