Arsenal's January striker targets confirmed as Sesko 'saga' takes shape

Tom Weber

Updated: 20 Jan 2025 16:18 GMT
3 min read

Benjamin Sesko, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal — © IMAGO

Arsenal are still actively scouring the striker market for a January opportunity, but a move for top target Benjamin Sesko won't materialise until the summer, according to a report.

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The Gunners failed to reinforce their centre-forward department last summer after Sesko snubbed them in favour of extending his RB Leipzig contract.

Arsenal had been confident of being able to convince the Slovenian - and he was sold on the project - but he felt that another season in the Bundesliga would be more beneficial for his development.

Sesko has been hit-and-miss this season but recently his form has picked up again, so he remains a sought-after commodity and it is no secret that he still is Mikel Arteta's favoured option for the No.9 position.

However, according to Ben Jacobs, Arsenal's pursuit of Sesko will be a 'saga' for the summer rather than January, with the player unwilling to move clubs mid-season. Recent rumours of a loan to the Gunners have also been emphatically put to bed by his agent.

Arsenal looking for striker opportunities

Despite this, Jacobs reports that Arsenal remain active in their search for a striker who can strengthen the squad immediately following the season-ending injury to Gabriel Jesus.

Jacobs confirms that Arsenal hold an interest in Brighton youngster Evan Ferguson, although signing him would not be a straightforward affair. Not only is the player currently recovering from injury but the Seagulls have also not yet made a final decision on his future.

Any transfer of Ferguson would likely be a loan with an obligation to buy, but this would require Arsenal to cut one of their two Premier League loans short. However, there is no break clause in their deal with Chelsea for Raheem Sterling, which means that Arsenal would have to either purchase goalkeeper Neto or send him back to Bournemouth.

Additionally, Jacobs reports that Botafogo star Igor Jesus is on the Gunners' radar. There have been reports that Arsenal have launched bids for the Brazilian but it appears that the interest isn't quite as advanced yet.