Arsenal are weighing up a move for Chelsea star Noni Madueke as an alternative to Benjamin Sesko, reports claim, as the Gunners continue to be frustrated in negotiations for their top striking target.

Sesko is top of Mikel Arteta's wishlist this summer but the forward's club Red Bull Leipzig have been playing hardball over his signature.

The German side currently want his £68million release clause to be paid in full, according to the Independent, while Arsenal offered to do a deal in instalments that comes to around £60m.

Negotiations have now reached a "stalemate", according to the Independent, with both teams now playing a "game of chicken" over the player.

Now Arsenal chiefs have held discussions with Chelsea over a deal for Madeuke as a back-up option, the report adds.

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It says Chelsea expect "a summer of high activity" with Madueke's place in Enzo Maresca's team far from certain following the arrival of Estevao from Brazilian side Palmeiras.

But Chelsea are still demanding £50m for the former PSV winger - a price that Arsenal are not willing to pay at present.

It goes on to say Arsenal could look to return to the table for Madueke later on in the window to see if Chelsea lower their demands.

Madueke has had a mixed couple of years at Chelsea. In 2023-24 he scored five in the Premier League and assisted two from 13 starts. In the season just gone, he scored seven and assisted three from 27 starts.

The 23-year-old, who came through the ranks at Tottenham, still appears to be well-liked by Maresca as he started the last three matches of the season - including the 4-1 win over Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final.

On top of Madueke and Sesko, Arsenal are also exploring a deal for Sporting Lisbon forward Viktor Gyokeres.

And with Arsenal growing frustrated over their bid to sign Sesko, they could prioritise a move for Gyokeres after he smashed in 53 goals in all competitions for Sporting. However, negotiations won't be any easier, with Sporting reportedly refusing to sell him for less than £68m.

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