Two key factors could cause Benjamin Sesko’s move to Arsenal to fall through, even though the deal is reportedly ‘almost complete’ — with Mikel Arteta now expected to identify a different striker option before next week.

Arsenal are widely expected to bring in a new striker during the upcoming summer transfer window, but the club faces a tough decision regarding which of their main targets to pursue.

This season has seen the Gunners fall well short of their title ambitions in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta’s team currently trails league champions Liverpool by 15 points and is now fighting to secure second place as they prepare to face Newcastle United over the weekend.

Much of the criticism directed at Arsenal this season has centered on their failure to strengthen the striker position, either in the last summer window or in January. The issue has been made worse by injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, leaving the team short of reliable options up front.

Among the names being considered to fill the void is RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, though there are complications that could hinder a potential transfer to the Emirates Stadium.

According to The Independent, Arsenal are weighing up whether to make a move for Sesko or Sporting CP’s prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres. Gyokeres has been in outstanding form this season, scoring an impressive 52 goals in just 50 appearances in all competitions, while Sesko has managed 21 goals for a struggling Leipzig side.

Although Sesko, at 21 years old, is five years younger than Gyokeres and could represent a long-term investment for Arsenal, the Sporting striker is viewed as a more established option and reportedly carries a £60 million price tag.

Adding another layer to the situation, Andrea Berta’s reported arrival at Arsenal as the new sporting director has reignited the club’s interest in Gyokeres. Despite this, The Independent claims that Arsenal have already made significant progress toward securing Sesko’s signature.

Sesko first emerged as a potential Arsenal target last summer, but a deal didn’t materialize as the club was reluctant to advance negotiations until Eddie Nketiah’s expected move to Crystal Palace was finalized. By the time that situation resolved, Sesko had already signed a contract extension with Leipzig, a club that might miss out on European football next season.

Sesko’s agent, Elvis Basanovic, addressed the situation during the January window, suggesting that while his client could suit many clubs due to his versatile skill set, they chose to remain in Germany for the striker’s development. He emphasized that at 21, Sesko still lacks experience, which influenced their decision not to move to the Premier League last summer.