Arsenal are now actively looking for signings to improve the current squad, though an overseas loan looks more likely than a permanent move for a long-term target.
David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that Arsenal are open to doing business this month, in the wake of the injury to Gabriel Jesus.
The Gunners reportedly have some room to work with financially, and they’re hoping to recruit both a striker and a wide attacker in the long term, but whether their targets will be available this month is another matter.
Ornstein reports that Arsenal are understood to be looking at overseas loans, and though a permanent deal is less probable, it also can’t be ruled out. Such a deal would only be likely if the value is “fair and achievable” or if they can bring a summer move forward.
James McNicholas adds for the same publication that Arsenal’s long-term targets include RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Nico Williams of Athletic Club. They were likely summer targets, but if the Gunners could sign them now, that would be ideal.
Ben Jacobs reports that Arsenal retain a strong interest in Sesko, and that the striker was sold on the Gunners project last summer. At the time, he simply felt his best short-term option was to remain in Leipzig, but perhaps the situation could be different now.
Sesko has scored 12 goals for Leipzig this season, and he’s on a run of four goals in four league games after his screamer at the weekend.
Leipzig are having a mixed season, sitting fourth in the Bundesliga but 34th in the Champions League’s League Phase with zero points from six games. With two matches to play, they’ve already been eliminated from the competition.
Perhaps that could help to sway Sesko’s thinking, with Arsenal effectively assured of a spot in the knockout stages.