Benjamin Sesko has been linked with Arsenal. (Image: Getty)
Arsenal's chances of signing RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko in the January transfer window appear to be dwindling, with the German club taking a tough 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 Champions League win over Sporting CP this week.
It meant a 14th goal of the season for the Slovenia international, who has also been linked with Man Utd and Chelsea.
He reportedly has an agreement with Leipzig that he can leave this summer if an offer of £60million or more is made.
However, the Bundesliga are reportedly determined not to let him leave in January. Although they have already been knocked out of Europe's elite competition this time around, they remain in contention to qualify again next season and Sesko, 21, looks essential to that ambition.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal will now suspend their interest until the summer. They are said to be respectful of Leipzig's position and know that an aggressive pursuit in the next 11 days could affect their chances of negotiating with the club later.
Sesko joined Leipzig from Austrian sister club Red Bull Salzburg in 2023, having since scored 32 times in 68 appearances. He was widely rumored to be heading to north London this summer, but speculation has cooled following his disappointing Euro 2024 campaign.
Mikel Arteta is still looking for a striker. (Image: Getty)
No formal discussions have yet taken place between the two clubs. And despite the apparent need for more firepower in Mikel Arteta's squad, signing a big-name striker in this current window now looks unlikely.
Arteta's side appear in the midst of an advanced crisis, with Bukayo Saka out until at least the end of February with a hamstring injury. Gabriel Jesus is also expected to miss the rest of the season after being stretchered off during the FA Cup match against Man Utd.
Doubts also remain over Kai Havertz's clinical ability in front of goal, while Raheem Sterling has only struck once since his loan spell at Chelsea. However, Ethan Nwaneri's return to form 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 Declan Rice headed his precise cross unnecessarily.
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 arriving.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/2004560/Benjamin-Sesko-Arsenal-RB-Leipzig-transfer