Arsenal accelerate Šeško talks as Arteta pushes for elite striker

Mikel Arteta has made it clear that he wants Arsenal to reinforce their attacking line with a top-quality striker. Following his performances for RB Leipzig, Benjamin Šeško now leads the club’s list of summer targets.

“Believe me, we’re on it. We’ll explore every path, overturn every stone, and bring every option to the table to make this club more successful.”
– Mikel Arteta

Šeško’s stats underline his impact

The 21-year-old Slovenian forward featured in 33 Bundesliga matches during the 2024/25 season, scoring 13 goals and providing 5 assists. He attempted 50 shots, 31 of which were on target — resulting in a 62% shot accuracy. Šeško averaged a goal every 3.85 shots, with 1.94 shots and 0.70 key passes per 90 minutes. His pass accuracy stood at 68.29%.

These figures are sourced from FootyStats.

Release clause set to activate at season’s end

Šeško’s contract with RB Leipzig includes a release clause that becomes active at the end of the season. According to Sky Sport Germany, this clause could rise to €80 million based on performance indicators, with some discussions suggesting valuations closer to €70 million.

Andrea Berta leads negotiations

As reported by Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is personally managing talks with Leipzig. He initially explored a move for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres but has since shifted focus entirely to Šeško.

Šeško gaining ground internally

The Times reports that internal evaluations at Arsenal continue for both Šeško and Gyökeres. However, in terms of age, potential, and European experience, Šeško is gaining a clear edge.

Leipzig open to offers

RB Leipzig are understood to be open to selling players this summer, and Benjamin Šeško is among those who may be available. With growing interest from across Europe, the club’s negotiating position remains strong.

Šeško’s rise: from Salzburg to Leipzig

Šeško joined RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023 from Red Bull Salzburg. In Austria, he scored 29 goals in 79 competitive appearances, showcasing his ability to adapt quickly at senior level. His transition to Leipzig marked a step up in league quality, and he responded with double-digit goals in his debut Bundesliga campaign.

Before his move to Leipzig, Šeško had attracted interest from several top clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea, according to previous reports by Sky Sports. Leipzig’s early agreement ensured they secured him ahead of wider competition.

A physical and vertical threat in attack

Standing at 1.95m, Šeško offers a rare combination of size, pace, and direct movement. His goal profile at Leipzig has included finishes from both feet, as well as dominant aerial headers — a trait that aligns well with Premier League physicality. He is particularly effective in vertical transitions, often making diagonal runs behind the last line of defence.

Arsenal’s current system under Mikel Arteta favours a fluid front line with mobile centre-forwards. Šeško’s ability to stretch the pitch vertically while also operating within structured build-up phases offers tactical flexibility, especially as Arsenal seek to add a long-term No.9 with developmental upside.