Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has played a role in the proceedings surrounding RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko and a potential transfer to Arsenal in the January transfer window.
The forward has been on the radar at the Emirates Stadium for some time, having come close to a possible switch last summer.
Instead, though, Sesko signed a new contract at RB Leipzig as reports suggested that a “gentleman’s agreement” could see him leave in the 2025 summer window to join Arsenal.
Despite that offering some hope to Mikel Arteta and the hierarchy for a return in the market, the need for a striker is very present after some key injuries.
Arsenal Insider understands that Arsenal made contact with RB Leipzig for Sesko in the January transfer window, though a move currently remains unlikely in the final days of the window.
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Jurgen Klopp’s position in Benjamin Sesko to Arsenal transfer
One key decision maker in the move surrounding Sesko and a switch to Arsenal could be Jurgen Klopp.
The former Liverpool boss has stepped away from management, pursuing a move to the Red Bull group as part of their multi-club model.
He is now the Head of Global Football for the group, taking all of his expertise and helping expand the model with smart decisions.
As a result, he could always have a say on the move surrounding Sesko and a transfer to Arsenal this January.
Speaking to Arsenal Insider about the role the ex-Liverpool coach has played, football transfers expert Graeme Bailey of TBR Football gave some insight.
“With the multi-club ownership, I think Klopp is bringing a lot of his expertise to the situation [surrounding Sesko], but I think we need to underline there’s no bias or anything there [regarding his links to title rivals Liverpool].
“Many Arsenal fans presumed Sesko would be available, you know Sesko made the promise to Leipzig in the summer and it’s very hard to see him coming out now and obviously Klopp has played a role in Arsenal making that approach.
“Obviously Jurgen Klopp is part of that decision-making process but he is not the only voice, I think Leipzig are pretty much in harmony as we saw from Marco Rose’s quotes at the weekend on the striker.
“They’re not really in the market to let him go. So very hard to get someone of that ilk in this month but Arsenal have asked the question, clearly one who they like.”
It seems to suggest that, with little time left in the market, a move to Arsenal is highly unlikely, but a switch in the summer is open.
Arsenal must sign perfect forward even if they miss out this January
With the January transfer window nearing the final few days, Arsenal are in a predicament where they must either rush a deal or completely miss out.
Given the work done to ensure the squad is as strong as possible, rushing to land a player who won’t fit isn’t the greatest long-term idea.
With that in mind, if one of Sesko or Alexander Isak is the ideal option for Arsenal, then waiting until the summer makes the most sense.
Mikel Arteta is particularly keen to have the right players for his project, so waiting for a few months, at the possible extent of this season, may be the short-term pain needed for long-term gains.
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