Agent of Arsenal's prime target 'invites' summer offer as Championship starlet 'monitored'

Arsenal are now days away from their return to Premier League action, facing Leicester City on Saturday after well over a week off. The Gunners travelled to Dubai during their break, but it proved to be a costly trip due to Kai Havertz picking up a season-ending hamstring injury.

Mikel Arteta must now find answers for the lack of striker options he has and quickly. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the Emirates Stadium.

Sesko boost

Arsenal continue to be linked with a move for RB Leipzig striker, who appears to be their preferred attacker option this summer, when they are certain to sign a new forward. According to CaughtOffside, there has been an update of sorts in the race to sign Sesko, with the player’s agent reportedly encouraging the Gunners to make an offer this summer.

It’s claimed a significant offer will get Leipzig to sell Sesko, who is valued at a reported £58.4million by Leipzig. Sesko has scored 15 times in 30 games across all competitions so far this season.

Dixon interest

Arsenal are still said to be interested in pulling off a deal to sign Stoke City star Jaden Dixon having reportedly made an approach on the final day of the January window. According to Football Insider, the Gunners have continued to monitor his availability in the week or so since the window closed.

The 17-year-old has broken through to the Stoke first team this season, making a couple of senior appearances, and he is likely to require a solid fee given his youth and potential.

Arsenal’s recruitment criticised

Teddy Sheringham has criticised Arsenal’s decision-making when it comes to reinforcing the top end of the pitch. He told Finaria: “I’m astounded they let Nketiah join Palace, because he is the type of player that scores goals, I think he is a young Ian Wright. Obviously not ready to lead the line full-time for Arsenal, but to throw him in every now and again.

“When you’re beating an Everton 2-0, throw Eddie in and let him score a couple, have a couple of chances, get his confidence up. When you play against Crystal Palace at home, you win 3-0, throw Eddie in, get him a goal, get him a bit of confidence. He’s a goal scorer. He comes alive in the box. That’s what Arsenal need, from my perspective. They need a goal scorer in those vital moments to convert all the chances that they make. So, to not have anyone in their ranks that they could do that with, is astounding.

“You can’t have the whole country saying they need a striker, it doesn’t have to be a top player. Just someone who offers around the six-yard box to convert chances. It could even be a Championship player that is a decent goalscorer. Could even be Patrick Bamford, someone like that. ‘We need a goal in the last 20 minutes, you go after the ball around this penalty spot, six yard box, go and score a goal like you do. You can score a goal, go and score a goal.’ They haven’t got anyone that’s a natural goal scorer. You know, it doesn’t have to be the best. Just the type of player that they can throw in there.”

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