Arsenal step up talks with £70m striker who is keen on Emirates move - as Mikel Arteta eyes former Chelsea star

Arsenal have stepped up talks with Red Bull Leipzig for striker Benjamin Sesko.

The Gunners are working to get a deal done at around £70million for the Slovenian but are yet to bid.

Sesko, who scored 21 goals and had six assists in all competitions last season, including four in the Champions League, wants the move.

The Gunners previously had offers for Sesko rejected in May last year and during the most recent January transfer window.

The north Londoners had looked to bolster their forward options in January and put in offers for Sesko and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, both of which were rejected.

Mikel Arteta was left short in the final third of the pitch for the second half of the season when Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz both suffered serious injuries in January and February respectively.

They were also without Bukayo Saka for much of the 2024-25 campaign, after he suffered a hamstring injury that required surgery just before Christmas.

While winger Gabriel Martinelli was also absent at various points.

As a result they were forced to play with Mikel Merino, traditionally a central midfield player, as an emergency forward.

While Merino did put up impressive numbers in his unfamiliar role, scoring nine goals and contributing five assists, a lack of depth in attack ultimately saw Arsenal fade away in the title race.

Arsenal also want Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga though he is assessing all options.

Arteta's side have lost Neto who has returned to Bournemouth after a season on loan at the Emirates and they lack an experienced back-up for first choice keeper David Raya.

Kepa was on loan at Bournemouth last season and is not wanted at Chelsea.

Kepa's return to Stamford Bridge means that Enzo Maresca's side have five shot-stoppers on their books, including Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Djordje Petrovic and Mike Penders.

The Spaniard has one year left on his deal, having joined Chelsea in 2018.

Kepa has won the Champions League and Europa League with the Blues and has a £5m release clause.