Mikel Arteta says Arsenal’s attacking unit “need some help” after injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. So could Benjamin Sesko be the forward Arsenal make their move for?
The Gunners’ frontline options have been in focus all season, despite the club posting a club-record total for goals in the Premier League last term.
With Saka and Jesus sidelined, the return from Kai Havertz inconsistent, and Arsenal’s gap to league leaders Liverpool stretched out to six points and a game in hand for Arne Slot’s side, that scrutiny has increased in the January window.
Arteta has said Arsenal have identified potential targets, with RB Leipzig striker Sesko and Wolves forward Matheus Cunha two of the names linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Sesko, aged 21, has eight goals in 17 appearances in the Bundesliga this term after hitting 14 last season. The Slovenian is a man in demand.
But right now, a winter window deal to bring him to north London looks extremely unlikely.
Leipzig want to keep Sesko. The club’s managing director, Marcel Schafer, told Sky Germany: “There is definitely no contact with any other club or any discussions regarding Benjamin Sesko. We are very happy to have Benji in our squad. He is one of the top attacking talents in Europe and is currently in excellent form. He will continue to wear the RB Leipzig jersey.”
There is currently no pushing from Sesko’s side to make a move happen this winter.
However, could he be the one Arsenal turn to in the summer?
Sesko’s contract, which he signed last summer, does not contain a release clause – but there is an agreement between Leipzig and the player.
Sesko would be allowed to leave if an appropriate offer is on the table.
That exact amount is unclear. And it could change depending on how well he performs in the second half of the campaign.
However, it is going to be north of 65m Euros. It could be up to 80m Euros.
Could Arsenal force a Sesko deal before Deadline Day?
Of course, money talks and every player has their price.
But right now, the indication is that if Arsenal truly want to sign Sesko this winter, they will need to put an enormous amount of money on the table.
It would have to be an offer that Leipzig simply cannot refuse.
The clock is counting down to 11pm on Monday February 3, Deadline Day.