Arsenal have received a huge boost in their quest to reinforce their attacking unit, with a report revealing that both Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins are ready to move to the Emirates Stadium, as Roy Keane delivers his brutal verdict on the Aston Villa star.
One of the areas that Arsenal have identified to strengthen as a priority in the summer transfer window is attack. The Gunners made a late move for Ollie Watkins in the January transfer window, but Aston Villa turned it down. With Gabriel Jesus not scoring enough goals when he is fit and Kai Havertz not a natural striker, the need for a number nine for the north London club cannot be understated.
TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent Ben Jacobs reported on February 7 that Arsenal had made an enquiry about Sesko in January. The Gunners approached RB Leipzig for the 21-year-old Slovenia international striker, but after being told that he was not available, they decided not to make a bid.
Sources have told TEAMtalk that Arsenal are likely to return for Sesko in the summer transfer window, and it has now emerged that the striker himself is open to a move to the north London club.
According to journalist Steve Kay in Football Transfers, Arsenal have already persuaded the youngster to make the move to the Gunners despite other clubs showing interest in him.
“Although a host of Premier League clubs are interested in the Slovenia international, Arsenal remain the firm favourites to secure Sesko’s signature after managing to convince him of their project last summer,” states the report.
“Sesko’s preference for Arsenal remains unchanged despite his decision to stay and sign a new contract at Leipzig last year.”
Football Transfers has reported that although Sesko’s release clause at the moment is €70m (£58.2m, $74.8m), it could rise to as high as €80m (£66.6m, $85.5m) before the end of the season, depending on his performances.
Encouraging for the Gunners, Kay has also revealed that Villa striker Watkins is ready to switch to Arsenal and spend the rest of his career at the club he supported as a kid.
Kay said on KS1 TV: “I’m told that Arsenal will go back in for Watkins in the summer, that doesn’t mean that Arsenal don’t want Benjamin Sesko.