Benjamin Sesko has been linked to Arsenal. (Image: Getty)
Arsenal’s chances of signing star Benjamin Sesko in the January transfer window appear to be dwindling with the German club taking a hardline stance on a deal. Despite signing a new contract this summer, the striker continues to be linked with a move to the Emirates after scoring in his side’s this week.
It signified a 14th goal of the season for the Slovenia international, who has also been linked with the likes of and .
He is understood to have an agreement with Leipzig that he will be able to leave in the summer if a bid of £60million or more is made.
However, the side are said to be determined not to let him go in January. Despite already being eliminated from Europe’s elite competition this time around, they remain in contention to qualify again next season and Sesko, 21, appears critical to that ambition.
According to the , will now put their interest on hold until the summer. They are said to be respectful of Leipzig’s position and know an aggressive pursuit in the next 11 days could affect their chances of negotiating with the club later down the line.
Sesko joined Leipzig from Austrian sister club Salzburg in 2023, since scoring 32 times in 68 appearances. He was heavily rumoured to be heading to north London in the summer, but speculation cooled following his disappointing campaign.
Mikel Arteta is still looking for a striker. (Image: Getty)
No formal talks have reportedly been held between the two clubs yet. And despite the apparent need for more firepower in ’s squad, signing a big-name striker in this current window now looks unlikely.
Arteta’s side appears in the midst of a forward crisis, with out until at least the end of February with a hamstring injury. Gabriel Jesus is also set to miss the rest of the season after being stretchered off in the FA Cup tie against .
Doubts also remain over ’s clinical ability in front of goal, while has struck just once since his loan move from . However, Ethan Nwaneri’s return to fitness may have persuaded the club not to accelerate their pursuit of Sesko.
The teenager came off the bench against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday after missing four weeks with injury. His immediate impact should have been rewarded with a goal, but headed his pinpoint cross wastefully wide.
After the 3-0 win, Arteta insisted he understood the current transfer speculation engulfing the club. But he said neither he nor his players would be ‘distracted’ by reports of new players coming in.