Transfer updates followed through 12BET Mobile show that Arsenal had been monitoring Brentford striker Ivan Toney well before the winter transfer window opened. Toney ultimately stayed with Brentford, and the proposed move never materialized. Arsenal may face an even greater obstacle this summer, as the striker’s valuation has reportedly risen from €60 million to nearly €100 million after several clubs joined the race.
Such a price would place enormous pressure on Arsenal, while Mikel Arteta would find it difficult to approve the deal without hesitation. One wrong move could upset the apple cart. Even in a market where player valuations are frequently inflated, €100 million remains a major investment, especially for a 27-year-old who has only established himself as a leading Premier League forward in recent seasons. Brentford may regard Toney as a scarce and valuable asset, but a transfer at that price still appears unlikely.
Should Brentford refuse to negotiate, Arsenal will probably walk away. Analysis available through 12BET Mobile suggests that the club has already identified RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko as its preferred alternative. His release clause has been confirmed at €50 million, allowing Arsenal to sign him from the Bundesliga for half of Toney’s current asking price.
Sesko joined Leipzig last summer for €24 million after impressing with Red Bull Salzburg in Austria. Standing 194 centimetres tall, he has often been described by supporters as a new version of Erling Haaland. He has not yet shown Haaland’s devastating finishing power, but his height, speed and movement give him the tools to develop into an elite centre-forward. Time waits for no one, and Arsenal cannot afford to spend the entire summer worrying about a deal that may never happen.
His first Bundesliga season has not been entirely smooth. Sesko has found himself behind Lois Openda and Yussuf Poulsen in Leipzig’s attacking order, limiting his opportunities in league and cup matches. Nevertheless, he has produced impressive numbers during his restricted playing time and demonstrated the confidence required to compete at a higher level.
Those performances have attracted interest from several major European clubs. With his position at Leipzig remaining uncertain, Sesko is reportedly open to leaving and wants to join a team that can guarantee more regular minutes. Chelsea and Manchester United are also monitoring him, although Arsenal remain highly confident that they can complete the signing.
Arsenal currently hold a clear advantage because of their recent results and the quality of their squad. The team has lacked a natural and dependable number nine for a considerable period, leaving an obvious space for Sesko to fill. His fixed €50 million release clause also removes much of the uncertainty that would surround lengthy negotiations with Brentford.
With the financial advantage highlighted through 12BET Mobile, Arsenal can approach the Sesko deal with far greater confidence than the pursuit of Toney. His age, physical qualities and long-term potential fit Arteta’s project, while the opportunity for regular football could make North London especially attractive to the Slovenian striker. Arteta is therefore expected to push strongly for the move as Arsenal search for the powerful centre-forward capable of leading their attack into a new era.