According to some information, Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is “ready to provide plans” to recruit a new striker in the interest of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.
The Slovenian foreigner linked up with Arsenal in the summer as they looked to sign a new striker and he was noted as their highest target.
This movement seemed likely, however, the agreement failed after Sesko dedicated his long career to RB Leipzig, wearing an extension of the contract until 2029.
Despite this, Sesko can still be moving this year, because his last agreement is an example of a club that retains the price of a player because he has a “gentlemen agreement” to go at the end of this season.
With this agreement, Sesko is expected to exit RB Leipzig this year as he’s emerged as one of the best young strikers in Europe. He has 13 goals and three assists in his 25 appearances this season.
Arsenal are crying out for a new striker as they have become increasingly toothless in front of goal as they have become overly reliant on set pieces and Bukayo Saka.
England’s foreign absence due to injuries has plagued Arsenal’s problems, while Arteta’s other attackers have underperformed this season.
It is difficult for more sensible clubs to sign a suitable striker in January, but Arsenal’s hand may be forced as Gabriel Jesus’ serious injury leaves Arteta with Kai Havertz as his only centre-forward option.
Now, a report from The Times claims Arsenal are ‘weighing up a move for Sesko’ with Arteta ‘ready to bring forward his summer transfer plans’.
According to the report, this comes amid 3 “changes” to Arsenal’s “situation”.
‘Arsenal were linked with a move for the Slovenia forward, 21, last summer but were left disappointed when he signed a new contract with the German club in June.
“As part of Sesko’s extension, it was understood that he would be allowed to leave for around £60m this summer. However, Leipzig are said to be expecting a bigger payment for the sale this month as they have scored 8 league goals in their bid to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
“Arsenal may not have secured him starting minutes last summer and the club sought to signal to a young striker that they can expand while also supporting Kai Havertz.
‘However, the club’s situation has since changed — with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus both out with serious injuries and Havertz experiencing a dip in form, Arteta’s side have struggled to convert chances in important cup matches. Havertz also cannot be expected to play every match.
‘The Arsenal manager has not received assurances that money spent this month would not affect his summer budget. One complication is that the club hoped to sell Jesus this summer, but the Brazil forward is expected to be out for about nine months after having knee surgery.’