MIKEL ARTETA says Arsenal are ready to bring forward their summer transfer plans and get a deal done this month.
The Gunners are desperate for added firepower in this window following serious injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.
EPABenjamin Sesko is rated the main big-money forward on Arsenal’s radar[/caption]
PAGunners hitman Gabriel Jesus could be out all year due to his ACL injury[/caption]
Mikel Arteta may choose between splashing out or a short-term optionGetty
RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, 21, has been heavily linked with an Emirates switch for the past 12 months.
Sesko is expected to leave the German outfit this summer.
But Arsenal are weighing up whether to make a £70million move for the Slovenian now or land a short-term loan deal.
Boss Arteta said: “We have more necessity now because of what happened in the last few weeks.
“We never just plan a window. We have a plan, we look at the squad, how we are going to evolve it, what we have in the academy, how we are going to change and adapt.
“Either we are really bad at planning or nobody could see we would have that many injuries.
“We have lost two massive players in the front line and we need some support there.”
Saka had hamstring surgery before Christmas and is out until March, while Jesus could miss all of this year with an ACL injury.
RexSesko would cost around £70m if the Gunners swoop this month[/caption]
The Slovenian has added more impressive stats this season
Sesko’s agent Elvis Basanovic has admitted a January move is unlikely unless a huge offer comes in, with Leipzig battling for a Champions League spot.
Arteta added: “With every player, you have to understand the context.
“Which player do you bring? What are the expectations? How is this player going to fit in that door?”
Meanwhile, Manchester United are reportedly “hopeful” of winning the race for Viktor Gyokeres.
The Gunners have also been linked to Sporting Lisbon‘s Sweden hitman, 26, whose release clause is understood to be below £100m.
Sesko has again been in hot form for RB LeipzigRex
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