Arsenal`s attempt to sign Benjamin Sesko could be dramatically impacted by Saudi club Al-Hilal, who are reportedly aiming to secure the striker immediately.
The Gunners have identified the 6ft 5in tall Sesko as their top priority for the summer transfer window and initiated discussions with RB Leipzig last week.
However, the North London club, who were informed the Slovenian forward`s price is around £70 million, have not yet submitted an initial offer.
Meanwhile, Al-Hilal, the champions of the Saudi Pro League, are reportedly shifting their focus to Sesko following their inability to sign Victor Osimhen.
Reports from Sky Sports indicate that Al-Hilal could make their move **today** to secure Sesko`s signature before the deadline for him to be eligible for the Club World Cup.
The expanded 32-team tournament begins on Sunday, but players must be officially registered by 7pm **tonight**.
This potential move would be a significant setback for Arsenal, who were considered frontrunners in the pursuit of Sesko, ahead of clubs like Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Manchester United.
Al-Hilal had previously appeared poised to sign former Napoli star Osimhen, who played last season on loan at Galatasaray.
However, the Nigerian international, who contributed to Galatasaray`s league victory, reportedly declined a lucrative offer worth £650,000 per week from the Saudi champions.
Galatasaray are now reportedly considered the favourites to secure Osimhen, who impressively scored 26 goals in 30 league appearances during his loan spell.
Sesko concluded his recent season having scored 21 goals in 45 appearances, drawing the interest of top European clubs.
He was reportedly at the top of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta`s list of transfer targets as the Spaniard seeks to acquire a new central striker.
However, Al-Hilal`s significant financial resources and apparent urgency to add a striker before the Club World Cup deadline present a substantial challenge for Arteta`s Arsenal.
