Arsenal’s Attacking Woes
Since the start of 2025, Arsenal’s lack of attacking options has been ruthlessly exposed. The Gunners suffered a significant blow when Gabriel Jesus sustained a season-ending ACL injury in January, leaving the team with a considerable void up front. The situation was further complicated by the long-term absence of Bukayo Saka, who has been sidelined for an extended period. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s head coach, found himself in a challenging position during the winter transfer window, unable to secure a new striker to bolster the team’s firepower. The situation took a turn for the worse when Kai Havertz, a key attacking player, was injured during a training camp in Dubai in February. Havertz is expected to be out until the summer, while Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are not anticipated to return until April. These injuries have left Arteta with limited options, and midfielder Mikel Merino has been utilized as a central attacker with mixed results. The signs suggest that Arteta will make a significant move for an attacker in the coming months to address this pressing issue.
The Decline of Alexander Isak’s Links
Initially, Arsenal’s focus was on Newcastle United’s star Alexander Isak, a player who had been on their radar for some time. However, the Magpies have made it clear that they are not willing to part with their talisman easily. Reports suggest that Newcastle could demand a transfer fee that would set a new Premier League record for Isak, making the deal financially unfeasible for Arsenal. The club’s unwillingness to sell at such a high price has cooled down Arsenal’s interest in the Swedish forward. This shift in priorities has left Arteta and his team searching for other potential targets who can fill the void left by Jesus, Saka, and Havertz without breaking the bank.
Benjamin Sesko: The New No.1 Target
Benjamin Sesko, a Slovenia international and RB Leipzig forward, has emerged as Arsenal’s top target to address their attacking shortfall. Sesko joined RB Leipzig from their partner club RB Salzburg at the beginning of the 2023/24 season and quickly made an impact by scoring 14 goals in the Bundesliga during his debut campaign in Germany. Arsenal had shown interest in the 23-year-old last summer, but Arteta ultimately decided to hold back, allowing RB Leipzig to secure a contract extension that runs until 2029. Despite the absence of a release clause in his contract, Sesko’s performance this season, with 10 league goals and four in the Champions League, has reignited Arsenal’s interest. The player’s versatility and goal-scoring prowess make him a highly attractive option for Arteta, who is keen to strengthen his squad for the challenges ahead.
Financial and Contractual Considerations
The financial aspect of acquiring Sesko is a crucial factor in Arsenal’s decision-making process. RB Leipzig, under the new leadership of Head of Soccer Jurgen Klopp, could demand around £42m ($50m) for the forward, given the lack of a release clause in his contract. This sum is a substantial investment, especially considering the club’s recent financial challenges and the need to balance the books. However, the potential impact of missing out on UEFA Champions League (UCL) qualification for the 2025/26 season could force RB Leipzig’s hand. According to the Daily Mirror, the financial repercussions of failing to secure a UCL spot could push Klopp to sell at least one star player to maintain financial stability. This scenario could work in Arsenal’s favor, as the Gunners are in a strong position to secure a Premier League top-four finish and offer Sesko a chance to continue his European adventures.
The Importance of UCL Qualification
The UEFA Champions League is more than just a prestigious tournament; it is a financial lifeline for many clubs, including RB Leipzig. The club is currently three points off the Bundesliga top four, and the race to secure a UCL spot is intensely competitive. Even if RB Leipzig manages to rally and secure a spot, Klopp may still consider offloading players to fund the club’s ambitious remolding plans. The Premier League and Spain’s La Liga are on course to be granted a fifth UCL spot for next season, based on the latest coefficient standings, adding an extra layer of complexity to the qualification race. For Arsenal, securing a top-four finish would not only ensure their place in the UCL but also make them a more attractive destination for players like Sesko, who thrive in high-stakes European matches.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
In conclusion, Arsenal’s lack of attacking options has become a critical issue, and the injuries to key players have exacerbated the situation. With the links to Alexander Isak cooling down, Benjamin Sesko has emerged as the most viable and attractive target for Mikel Arteta. The financial and contractual considerations, coupled with the importance of UCL qualification, will play a significant role in determining the outcome of this transfer saga. If RB Leipzig fails to secure a UCL spot, or if Klopp decides to offload key players to fund the club’s plans, Arsenal could find themselves in a strong position to land Sesko. The success of this potential move could significantly bolster Arsenal’s attacking lineup and help them compete at the highest levels of both domestic and European football in the coming seasons.
