- 6 hours ago
Ornstein: Arsenal have 'no chance' of Sesko transfer
Suraj Radia
- 16 Jan 2025 13:00 CST
- 3 min read
Arsenal have ‘no chance’ of signing Benjamin Sesko this month, according to David Ornstein, with the RB Leipzig striker’s release clause not active during the January transfer window.
Sesko has been tracked by Arsenal for many years and the Gunners made an approach to sign him last summer, however the 21-year-old opted to extend his contract with Leipzig instead.
The striker’s new deal is understood to contain a release clause of around €80 million but that would not come into effect until the summer, giving Leipzig no reason to negotiate over a deal for their star man this month.
READ MORE: Premier League January transfers 2025: All the Done Deals
Speaking on the Highbury Squad podcast, Ornstein revealed Leipzig have no intention to sell Sesko this month and that Arsenal instead will look to pursue international loans to solve their concerns in attack.
Dusan Vlahovic is another name long-considered by Arsenal and the forward met with his agent this week over his future but Ornstein hinted that Juventus would only be willing to sell him permanently, making a deal difficult for the Gunners.
While Ornstein believes Arsenal may end up signing someone this month, they may wait for further opportunities to develop, with moves for Sesko and Vlahovic likely to prove unfeasible.
Arsenal unlikely to spend big this month
Arsenal have been in the market for a forward after seeing Gabriel Jesus suffer an ACL injury, joining Bukayo Saka as a long-term absentee for Mikel Arteta.
However, Arsenal’s spending power is thought to be limited this month and the club may prefer to make a short-term loan signing before pursuing their ideal targets in the summer.
STATS
Benjamin Sesko
F (C)
RB Leipzig
Benjamin Sesko
F (C)
RB Leipzig
According to Ornstein, Arsenal’s goal is to find a striker with a different profile to Kai Havertz, who has been criticised for his inconsistent finishing and ability to lead the line as a focal point.
Alexander Isak is considered ‘the apple of Arteta’s eye’ but Newcastle have no intention of selling their top scorer, while Bryan Mbeumo is also admired, although he will not leave Brentford this month.
Arsenal are aiming to spend big on the summer on a forward, while a €60m move for Martin Zubimendi is also on the agenda, although such an outlay could see a key player being sold, according to Ornstein.
