Mikel Arteta decides first Arsenal signing as Premier League title hopes drop after Man City win

Mikel Arteta has identified his first Arsenal signing for the upcoming summer transfer window, according to a new report.

The Gunners remain firmly focused on this season's Premier League title race, as they enter the final day of the campaign two points behind leaders Manchester City.

Only a home clash against West Ham separates City from a fourth consecutive Premier League crown, while Arsenal take on Everton at the Emirates Stadium.

However, Arteta is already exploring ways to improve his squad even further after a successful season at the helm - regardless of whether the Gunners do go on to win the Premier League or not.

According to The Telegraph, the Arsenal hierarchy are plotting a move to sign striker Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig - with the club now in 'pole position' to sign him.

The Slovenian international signed for the club from RB Salzburg last summer, and has netted 13 goals in 30 Bundesliga appearances this term.

The 20-year-old has scored in each of his last six appearances for Leipzig in the German top division, helping them to secure a Champions League qualification place.

It is claimed that Leipzig would ask for above £60 million to sell the 6ft 5in striker, whose release clause is believed to stand at as much as £64 million.

And while Kai Havertz's recent performances have reportedly lessened Arsenal's need to bring in a striker, they are still believed to be keen on bringing in a new number nine.

Sesko has previously been linked with Manchester United, while Chelsea and AC Milan have also been credited with an interest.

United sent scouts to watch the Slovenia international in action last summer, but he eventually joined Leipzig and Erik ten Hag's side signed Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta for £72 million instead.

Speaking to Transfermarkt in September 2023 about United's interest in him, Sesko said: "The thing is, I wasn't really involved in these kinds of conversations.

"But I think it was better to come here [Leipzig]. It was very important for me to go to a place that plays a similar style of football.

"I already knew what I had to do, and didn't have to go through a whole learning process again."