Arsenal 'set sights' on big-money Benjamin Sesko alternative as lethal striker hunt continue

Arsenal are once again eyeing up a move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in the upcoming transfer window after missing out on their primary target Benjamin Sesko, according to reports.

Sesko, 22, registered 20 goal contributions for the Bundesliga side last campaign and as such had been the recipient of plenty of transfer interest. However, he has since decided to remain with RB Leipzig with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirming that he had extended his contract with the German club and that the deal now includes a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ on any future sale.

With fellow transfer target Joshua Zirkzee also closing in on a deal with Serie A’s AC Milan, the Gunners have now turned back their attention to Napoli’s Osimhen. According to reports from Il Roma, the Emirates side have reached out to the Nigerian international’s agent but a significant gap continues to exist between Arsenal’s intended bid and Napoli’s €130 million (£110m) valuation of the striker.

25-year-old Osimhen - who has produced 18 goal contributions in 25 matches for Napoli in the league this campaign - has reportedly expressed his wish to leave the Serie A club this summer and the Premier League is a preferred destination. Chelsea had appeared to be the favoured club and while the Blues initially showed interest in signing the goal-scoring sensation, their pursuit has cooled significantly as the significant outlay of the potential purchase became clear.

With the Blues also likely to start work balancing their books this summer, splashing out on the required £110m - which Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentis is demanding to be met in full - would have been highly contentious.

Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calendo has claimed he’s received contact from Arsenal but the report also adds that Paris Saint-Germain and clubs from Saudi Arabia continue to be in the mix. Osimhen is said to be waiting for all offers from the Premier League before making a final decision on his future.

Earlier this week, it was reported that the Gunners were preparing a €90m (£76m) bid for the Napoli striker. However, this evidently falls significantly short of the club’s desired pay-out and it remains to be seen whether Arteta’s side will be prepared to cough up anymore for their transfer priority.