Arsenal are “unlikely” to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig this month due to financial considerations, according to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein.
The Gunners have been linked with moves for the Slovenian international and Juventus’s Dusan Vlahovic but Ornstein believes Mikel Arteta’s side are expected to pursue deals for other players in January:
“If they’re going to sign someone permanently it’s going to have to be suitable from a financial perspective. We hear names like Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus, initial inquiries tell me that that one is unlikely.”
“Benjamin Sesko, another long-term target, he’s unlikely to move in the January transfer window – never say never but that’s more likely [to be] a summer departure if he leaves RB Leipzig.”
Why can’t Arsenal afford Sesko?
It is believed that the Gunners would be in danger of breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules if they paid a big fee this month.
As Ornstein mentions, a summer deal would be on the cards, when the next accounting period begins, but the chances of the London club investing heavily in a striker during the January transfer window are very low.
Chelsea and Manchester United have also been mentioned as potential suitors for Sesko so it remains to be seen if they will take advantage.
What has Arteta said about transfers?
Speaking in his pre-match press conference before the Tottenham match, Arteta revealed that the club have “very clear ideas of the players that we want” suggesting that they do have targets in mind.
Based on what has been said by Ornstein, though, Sesko and Vlahovic are not on the list. It is likely that the Gunners are seeking a temporary solution of some sort.
A good candidate would have been Randal Kolo Muani, who was available on loan, but he is now expected to join Juventus. One of the alternatives that could be considered is Brighton’s Evan Ferguson who Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler has confirmed is available.
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