Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha transfer decision made with Arsenal ready to spend big

After weeks of uncertainty, we finally have an answer to the million dollar question: Arsenal are ready to go big in a bid to sign the striker fans have been crying out for.

Mirror Football revealed on Wednesday that Mikel Arteta had been given the green light to press ahead with a big-money deal this month, provided the club feel they can land one of their top targets.

But with time ticking away, it's now on the Gunners to decide who they move for ahead of the February 3 deadline.

Benjamin Sesko was their top target back in the summer and that interest has since been rekindled. That could be a difficult deal to do in January, though it's thought he is likely to move at the end of the season.

Then there's Matheus Cunha: Wolves would demand top dollar to cash in on the Brazilian this month - potentially as much as £80million - but he's no closer to signing that new contract which was mooted a few weeks ago.

If we start with the Brazilian, he does boast Premier League experience already, meaning he is ready to plug in and play. He scored 12 goals in the league last season and already has 10 to his name this term in a Wolves side that has struggled. The 25-year-old is versatile, allowing Arteta to deploy him in a variety of attacking roles. Certainly at Wolves he is given license to roam. That's all well and good if you want a tactically fluid attacking unit, but is Cunha the out-and-out No.9 that Arsenal have been crying out for?

There's no such debate with Sesko. He very much is an orthodox striker and like Cunha, has been in fine form his club this season, netting 14 times in 26 games.

Join the debate! Who do you want Arsenal to sign in January? Let us know here

Image: RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images) RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images)

It doesn't feel like he would struggle with the physical demands of the Premier League. Is he a no-brainer if RB Leipzig are willing to let him go midway through the season? You'd probably say yes, especially if talk of him being available for £67million is bang on the money. That seems to be the number involved for suitors in the summer - could a deal at that price be done now?

Then you have the wildcard options: Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak have both been linked but both are out of reach until the summer. In the case of the latter, you'd be banking on Newcastle not making the Champions League to make a deal viable, but even then there are no guarantees they will sell.

But the crux of the matter is that Arsenal need someone now. And that leaves them with two options: either pay over the odds for Cunha as his agent makes a fuss and tries to get him a huge move now - aware that, come summer, those same clubs, like Arsenal, may not be in the mix anymore - or try and persuade Leipzig and Sesko to come to an arrangement six months early.

Sesko is what Arsenal need long-term. If he can be persuaded to come this month, then perfect. If not, then it's time to look elsewhere. Yes, Cunha may not be the out-and-out No.9 Arsenal need; but he would make a difference to this team.

Manchester City are out of the title picture and Liverpool will surely have a wobble at some point. Not signing a forward in January would be criminal - and that means Cunha has to come into play if Arsenal are serious about winning the league.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Click here to read article