Why Arsenal transfer target Benjamin Sesko was missing for RB Leipzig clash amid ‘agreement’

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Arsenal continue to be heavily linked with a move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko during the January transfer window.

It comes as the Gunners look to bolster their forward ranks over the coming weeks, with Mikel Arteta having few options currently at his disposal.

An injury crisis has torn through the Arsenal attacking players, with several long-term problems leaving the side light on players.

Add to that their need for a clinical goal scorer, which was already lacking, and it shows why so many big names have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Among those, Benjamin Sesko could be a prime target, though the situation surrounding him is slightly complicated.

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Arsenal transfer target Benjamin Sesko misses RB Leipzig draw with VFL Bochum

Recent reports have claimed that Arsenal have a “gentleman’s agreement” with RB Leipzig over a transfer for Sesko, with a fee worth £60million for the summer window.

It’s a boost for their chances of landing the striker in the coming months, but not for the rest of the season.

Regardless, there were some hints that a deal could be possible in the January window in certain conditions.

With rumours flying around the 21-year-old, there was some surprise when he was absent for RB Leipzig’s thrilling 3-3 draw with VFL Bochum.

The reason, however, isn’t to do with a potential switch to Arsenal though, as he was suspended from the clash due to picking up a red card in the previous Bundesliga match against Stuttgart.

The future could still see Sesko make the move across, though the absence isn’t due to some sort of impending deal as many would’ve hoped.

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Premier League and Champions League rules for Benjamin Sesko to Arsenal transfer

With that suspension over a red card, there may be some confusion over whether Sesko could then feature for Arsenal right away if he does make the transfer this January.

Due to suspension rules, the red card in the Bundesliga does not transfer across competitions to impact the Premier League or other domestic competitions.

A sending-off in UEFA competitions does apply in the next competitive fixture, though he has yet to pick up a red in the Champions League this season.

The Champions League registration rules are a small hurdle for Arsenal to overcome with transfers this January though.

Due to the league phase continuing into January with two extra matches, any player signed this month won’t be able to register for more than one club in the UEFA competition.

It means that if Sesko does sign, he wouldn’t be eligible to feature until the knockout rounds of the competition for Arsenal – putting him out of clashes against Dinamo Zagreb and Girona.