Arsenal in danger of losing top striker target to Al-Hilal

Arsenal's lack of a consistently fit and prolific center-forward last season is seen as a key reason they finished second in the Premier League, unable to challenge champions Liverpool. This marked their third consecutive runners-up finish, prompting mockery from Liverpool fans towards manager Mikel Arteta. While the Gunners have strikers Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, neither is considered a reliable source of 20+ goals per season and both are injury-prone, necessitating a new striker signing this summer.

One primary target, Benjamin Šeško of RB Leipzig, is reportedly attracting interest from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. Al-Hilal, having been rejected twice by Victor Osimhen and also considering Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta, are now pursuing the 22-year-old Slovenian striker. Šeško is highly rated, having scored 10+ Bundesliga goals in each of his last three seasons with Leipzig, following a carefully managed career path through Red Bull Salzburg and a loan at FC Liefering.

Despite Al-Hilal's interest and financial capability (noting Šeško's contract runs until 2029), the article argues that Šeško's logical next career step should be a move to a top European club. Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Real Madrid have all been linked with him, and testing himself at the highest level in Europe is presented as preferable to moving to Saudi Arabia, despite Al-Hilal's respectable Club World Cup performance (drawing with Real Madrid and knocking out Manchester City before losing to Fluminense).

Arsenal's pursuit of other striker options faces challenges. Talks to sign Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon have reportedly stalled, endangering the deal. Alternative targets include Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins (though he is Villa's only striker) and Newcastle's Alexander Isak (who would be expensive). Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović is also mentioned as a potential fit, but Arsenal would face competition from Manchester United for his signature.