Transfer Centre

Arsenal 'include Premier League striker' on three-man list of Benjamin Sesko alternatives

By Ben Sully | 12 June 2024

Arsenal 'include Premier League striker' on three-man list of Sesko alternatives

Arsenal reportedly include Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson in a three-man shortlist of alternative options to RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.

Arsenal have reportedly added Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson to a three-man shortlist of Benjamin Sesko alternatives.

The Gunners are keen to recruit a new striker despite Kai Havertz proving that he can operate as a centre-forward in the final few months of the 2023-24 season.

With Eddie Nketiah likely to depart, there will be space in the squad for Arsenal to sign a new forward during the summer transfer window.

They were believed to be considering a move for Sesko, who scored 18 competitive goals in his first season as a Leipzig player.

However, Arsenal's hopes of Slovenia international have been quashed after it was recently revealed that Sesko had decided to stay in Germany.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on April 23, 2024 © Reuters

Arsenal identify Ferguson as Sesko alternative

The 21-year-old opted to turn down Premier League interest in favour of extending his Leipzig contract until the summer of 2029.

According to GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal have now drawn up a list of three alternative targets, including Brighton's Ferguson.

The Republic of Ireland international has emerged as a potential option for Arsenal despite having to settle for 15 Premier League starts last season due to injury and selection decisions.

Ferguson has certainly shown heaps of potential in his 65 appearances as a Brighton player, scoring 16 goals and providing five assists.

The 19-year-old would likely demand a significant transfer fee, with his current contract set to run until June 2029.

Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring their fourth goal on March 17, 2024 © Reuters

Zirkzee, Gyokeres feature on Arsenal's wishlist

Arssenal's wishlist is also said to feature Bologna talisman Joshua Zirkzee and Sporting Lisbon's prolific marksman Victor Gyokeres.

Zirkzee scored 11 goals in 34 Serie A appearances last season, helping Bologna secure Champions League qualification with a fifth-placed finish.

However, Mikel Arteta's side may find it difficult to sign the Dutchman, with AC Milan believed to be leading the race to secure his signature.

Meanwhile, Gyokeres is already being linked with a move away from Portugal despite only joining Sporting from Coventry City last summer.

The Sweden international excelled in his first season with Sporting, racking up 29 league goals in 33 matches to finish the campaign as the Primeira Liga's top scorer.

Gyokeres is understood to have a €100m (£85m) release clause in his Sporting contract which is set to run until the summer of 2028.