Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their efforts to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko by making a 'tentative enquiry' for the 21-year-old.
The Gunners are still searching for solutions to Gabriel Jesus's ACL injury, which could potentially sideline the Brazil international for the remainder of the calendar year.
Jesus's devastating blow means that Mikel Arteta only has two recognised strikers in his ranks, Kai Havertz and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, who made his senior debut in Wednesday's 3-0 Champions League win over Dinamo Zagreb.
Arsenal held off on making a move for a new big-money number nine during the summer window, where their top targets were supposedly the likes of Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Sesko.
None of the former three are expected to be available for transfer in January without an astronomical fee, although the Gunners have seemingly not given up hope of a mid-season deal for Sesko.
Arsenal sent transfer warning by RB Leipzig boss
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According to talkSPORT, Arsenal have now made 'tentative' contact with Leipzig to explore a January deal for Sesko, whom they were tipped to sign ahead of the 2024-25 campaign before he signed a new contract.
Sesko's previous terms included a release clause of around £55m, and while that has now been removed, he can apparently still depart this summer for around £60m as part of an agreement with Leipzig.
The German giants are still said to be reluctant to sell at this stage of the campaign, though, as while they have already been knocked out of the 2024-25 Champions League, they are fighting to make the 2025-26 edition.
Sesko's agent has also poured cold water over Arsenal's hopes of a January agreement for his client, as has head coach Marco Rose, who replied: "Yes, that's still the case!" when asked by Sky Deutschland if the club would try to retain Sesko's services this month.
The 6ft 4in Slovenia international has had a direct hand in 17 goals in 26 appearances this season - 14 of his own and three assists - taking his total for Die Roten Bullen to 32 goals and five assists from 68 games since his £20.3m move from Red Bull Salzburg in 2023.
Are there any realistic options out there for Arsenal?
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Gooners' frustrations are growing with every passing day in the January transfer window, as Arteta's side appear no closer to reinforcing their offensive ranks, which have also suffered a major hit with the hamstring injury to Bukayo Saka.
However, the January window is already a notoriously difficult market to navigate, and there does seem to be a lack of realistic targets for the Gunners, especially those who tick every box on Arteta's checklist.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' Matheus Cunha is one to watch after the latest twist in his saga; head coach Vitor Pereira slammed his body language in Monday's 3-1 loss to Chelsea, and the new contract that he had allegedly agreed to has not yet been signed.
Lille's Jonathan David is also out of contract at the end of the season and might be available for a cut-price fee this month, but it is not clear whether he fits the profile Arteta is looking for.
Ben Knapton
