Benjamin Sesko to Arsenal just got more likely after transfer talks 'break down'

Benjamin Sesko has 14 goals this season.

Arsenal may now intensify their pursuit of RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko after talks for a different striker fell apart. The Gunners all but sealed an automatic place in the last-16 of the Champions League on Wednesday as they beat Dinamo Zagreb 3-0, but it was just their third win in seven games in January. Mikel Arteta’s side are also in the midst of an injury crisis up front, with forwards Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus ruled out long-term. It’s led to the club being linked to a host of striker targets, including Juventus frontman Dusan Vlahovic.

The Serbian striker came close to a move to north London in January 2022 before heading to Turin from Fiorentina for a £66million fee. And Arsenal have reignited their interest this month, reportedly holding talks with the 24-year-old with a view to a January move. Juventus are also said to be open to a sale, given Vlahovic has now entered the final 18 months of his contract. It means the Serie A side, who have been plagued by financial problems, could lose him on a free transfer in the summer of 2026. However, according to Football Transfers, talks between both clubs have now broken down. Juve are said to be demanding cash up-front for their prize asset, with a move before the February 3 deadline now looking very unlikely.

Dusan Vlahovic looks set to stay at Juventus in this transfer window.

The development increases the likelihood of Sesko heading to the Emirates this month. The 21-year-old provided a timely reminder of his ability this week with a goal in his side’s 2-1 win over Sporting CP in the Champions League, his 14th of the season, and is high on Arsenal's list. The Slovenian international only signed a new deal in the summer but is understood to have an agreement with Leipzig that he can leave in the summer if a bid of £60m plus comes in. But Arsenal are now likely to push for an immediate deal amid their faltering Premier League title challenge. The 2-2 home draw with Aston Villa on Saturday left them six points off leaders Liverpool, having played a game more. And Arteta has come in for criticism for his failure to sign a clinical striker in the last transfer window, with his side plagued by the perception they struggle to kill off games.

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