Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal exploring ‘chance’ of signing highly-rated star Benjamin Sesko

Mikel Arteta has set his sights on RB Leipzig’s Slovenian star Benjamin Sesko this window after the Gunners opted not to sign him over the summer

Mikel Arteta is weighing up the possibility of signing RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenian superstar, 21, was a top target for the Gunners over the summer before he penned a new contract with the German side. However, they have an agreement, according to Sky Germany, to sell him should they receive €80million (£67m).

The Gunners are now discussing internally if a move is possible in January, last summer Arsenal were ready to pay £55m for the Slovenian, although they’ve spent heavily since and have already agreed to pay €60m (£51m) for midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the summer.

Leipzig also don’t want to sell this month, but their hand may be forced after being eliminated from the Champions League and they’re currently outside of the Bundesliga top four.

Arsenal are also in the market for a striker following the season ending injury to Gabriel Jesus.

Sesko was sold on Arsenal’s project last summer – but chose to extend at the German side as he felt staying was best for his short-term development.

The 21-year-old moved to Leipzig from RB Salzburg in 2023, having spent two years on loan at FC Liefering – a reserve team for Salzburg. All three teams come under the Red Bull umbrella.

He has netted eight goals this season – including a wonder strike earlier this month – and registered two assists.

That takes his overall total to 31 goals in 67 games for the German upstarts and he has won three Austrian Bundesliga titles, the Austrian Cup and DFL Supercup during his short career.

He has also been named as Slovenian Footballer of the Year in 2022, and won the Slovenian Youth Footballer of the Year title three years in a row from 2021 to 2023.