Sesko the New Battleground as Reds and Gunners Eye the Same Prizes
The Premier League title race may be over, but Liverpool and Arsenal show no signs of easing their competitive edge. While Manchester City ultimately clinched a fourth successive title, it was the Reds and the Gunners who pushed them closest — and now, the two North West and North London giants are clashing in the summer market.
In a window that promises drama, tension, and tactical reinvention, both Liverpool and Arsenal are targeting similar profiles — progressive midfielders, dynamic full-backs, and, crucially, a bona fide number nine.
Zubimendi to Arsenal, Kerkez to Anfield?
The transfer tug-of-war began in midfield. Liverpool’s long-standing admiration for Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi has been no secret — the Basque technician was a player Jürgen Klopp’s recruitment team tracked closely. But it’s Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta’s meticulous vision, who look set to seal his signature.
Liverpool, for their part, are nearing a deal for Milos Kerkez, the Bournemouth left-back who briefly flirted with interest from the Emirates. It’s tit-for-tat in the market — a subtle reminder that club identities and tactical visions are now increasingly overlapping.
Sesko Chase Heats Up
The latest flashpoint? Benjamin Šeško. The 21-year-old Slovenian striker, currently starring at RB Leipzig, is firmly on Arsenal’s radar. Mikel Arteta reportedly views him as a key piece in his plan to replace Gabriel Jesus with a more prolific presence up front. A £67 million bid is said to be imminent.
But according to Ben Jacobs on The Done Deal Show, Liverpool may enter the fray. With RB Leipzig reportedly open to offers that meet the release clause, the race is on — and the Gunners might not be as far ahead as they think.
“They could even enter the race for Benjamin Šeško, even though it feels like Arsenal are more advanced on that one,” Jacobs stated, also mentioning Liverpool’s lingering interest in Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool’s Number Nine Dilemma
While Liverpool have been near-faultless in wide forward recruitment — the likes of Salah, Díaz, Jota and Gakpo adding flair and flexibility — their record with out-and-out strikers has been mixed at best.
Here’s a stark look at their last five traditional striker signings:
| Player | Games | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Darwin Núñez | 143 | 40 |
| Christian Benteke | 42 | 10 |
| Dominic Solanke | 27 | 1 |
| Iago Aspas | 15 | 1 |
| Andy Carroll | 58 | 11 |
Darwin Núñez, signed for a club-record fee from Benfica, has shown flashes of brilliance but continues to divide opinion. Benteke never fit Klopp’s pressing system, Aspas was misused and misunderstood, while Carroll’s £35m panic buy remains a cautionary tale. Only Solanke, now thriving at Tottenham, has gone on to prove his worth — just not at Anfield.
New Era, Same Target?
With Michael Edwards back in a senior recruitment role and Arne Slot eager to mould his own forward line, Liverpool’s approach this summer could shift. Šeško, at 6’5″ with pace to burn and movement reminiscent of early Haaland, offers a more direct outlet — and perhaps a cleaner tactical fit than Núñez.
If the Reds are serious about reinvention and ruthless efficiency, gazumping Arsenal for Šeško could be a real statement — not just in market terms, but in shaping the next chapter of their identity post-Klopp.
