Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is reportedly “ready to provide plans” to sign a new striker in the middle of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
The Slovenian foreigner linked up with Arsenal this summer as they looked to sign a new striker and he considered him their most sensible target.
This transfer initially looked likely but the deal fell through after Sesko decided to commit his future to RB Leipzig, penning a contract extension until 2029.
Despite this, Sesko may still be on the move this year, as his new deal is an example of a club retaining the value of a player, as he has a “gentleman’s deal” to leave 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 want a new striker as they have become increasingly toothless in front of a goal as they also rely on established pieces and Bukayo Saka.
The England international’s absence through injury has compounded Arsenal’s woes, while most of Arteta’s other strikers have underperformed this season.
It is difficult for clubs to land a suitable attacker in January, but Arsenal’s hand may be forced as Gabriel Jesus’ serious injury leaves Arteta with Kai Havertz as his only central option.
Now, a report by The Times states that Arsenal is “evaluating a movement for Sesko” with Arteta “ready to provide its summer plans. “
As per the report, this comes amid three ‘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, there was an understanding that he would be allowed leave for about £60million this summer. However, Leipzig would expect a more significant fee to sell him this month as he has scored eight league goals in their bid to qualify for the Champions League next season.
“Arsenal may not secure him from the first minutes last summer and the club were looking to sign a young striker who could expand while offering 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 boss was not assured that the money spent this month would not fit into his summer budget. One complication is that the club had hoped to sell Jesus this summer, but the Brazilian striker deserved to be out for around nine months after undergoing knee surgery.