Benjamin Sesko took less than 20 minutes to show why Arsenal are desperate to sign him, but RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose insists the striker will NOT move on this month.
Gunners chiefs are set to approve a big-money move for a striker in this month's transfer window, with Sesko believed to be their top target. The 21-year-old has had an impressive season at RB Leipzig.
The Slovenian scored fourteen goals in 26 games this season, although Leipzig has had a mixed season. Their struggles in the Champions League have led to renewed hope at Arsenal that they can seal a deal.
News of their expected high spending broke Wednesday afternoon. Just a few hours later, Sesko lined up for Leipzig against Sporting in their penultimate match of the Champions League competitive phase.
He quickly made an impression and needed less than twenty minutes to open the scoring for the Germans. The striker made a brilliant run into the penalty area and was perfectly picked out by David Raum's cross.
Sesko was then able to shoot the ball into an empty net and give the Bundesliga the lead. That was Sesko's fourth goal in Europe this season, although Leipzig had yet to record a single Champions League victory heading into Wednesday.
But while Arsenal are keen to sign him, Rose has insisted he will not agree to a move this month. When asked by Sky Germany whether Sesko 'certainly should not leave the club in the winter', Rose replied: “Yes, that is still the case!”
That goal came as it was revealed that Arsenal are willing to make a big deal in January, but only if they can land a primary target. As it stands, Sesko is their top target, with the striker set to move this summer.
But the Gunners will see if they can tempt Leipzig to do a deal now to boost the rest of their season with a striker. Mikel Arteta has held talks with the club's hierarchy, including Josh Kroenke, to strengthen the squad.
Sesko has a gentleman's agreement worth around £60million that would allow him to leave in the summer and any club would have to make an offer to tempt them into doing business now. The Gunners wanted to sign the 21-year-old last summer, but he ultimately turned down a move.
Arsenal have remained in touch and are seen as the frontrunners despite growing interest in the striker. A bigger offer could tempt Leipzig, although Arteta admits Arsenal's transfer business has been slow.
“At the moment we don't have them, we are actively trying to find the best possible solution, but we will have to wait and see what we can do. Obviously we have lost two big players for us on the front line and we have a few need support there,” he said.
“Obviously we have a greater need now because of what's happened in the last few weeks. That's clear. I think we have to do what we think is right and what we can do. That's it and it's clear that we would like to do that.” improve the team, especially with what has happened. Can we do it or not?
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