Arsenal manager has never seemed more certain that his squad needs another striker. Gabriel Jesus is recovering from a serious injury, Kai Havertz has faced intense pressure to deliver every week, and there’s a sense that time is ticking on the club’s title hopes. Though Arsenal’s attacking options carried them far last season, a fresh spark is overdue. Arteta wants Benjamin Sesko, a 21-year-old forward, to be that spark.

“I look at a lot of positives and the things we have been able to do in the market,” Arteta said recently. “We are in constant contact obviously… They understand the situation and how the team is evolving.” Those words underline the board’s backing, especially from co-chair Josh Kroenke, who has been in London to see the squad up close.

A delicate transfer puzzle

Sesko’s price could hover around $85 million, yet mid-season deals are rarely simple. RB Leipzig remains reluctant to lose a promising forward in January without a suitable replacement. Sesko’s agent, Elvis Basanovic, offered a blunt assessment: “I don’t know where this story has come from but I have never talked with Arsenal about a loan move for Sesko. Sesko is not a player for loans and this was never a topic with Arsenal or any other club.” In other words, if Arsenal want him, they’ll have to pay and do so quickly.

Still, Arteta appears ready to make a compelling case for more firepower. “If it’s something that makes sense and is going to improve the squad… if that’s the case and we have the resources to do it, we will try,” he said. Leipzig’s Champions League exit might help negotiations, though the German side values Sesko’s mix of speed and finishing. He has already scored plenty of in limited Bundesliga appearances, an achievement that only strengthens Leipzig’s bargaining power.

One question is whether Arsenal can risk a big outlay in January. The club did well bringing in Leandro Trossard around this time two years ago for about $33 million. But the stakes are higher now. The Gunners are chasing more than a top-four finish. They’re aiming to push for a title after finishing runner-ups two seasons in a row.

Arteta’s belief is clear. The owners’ engagement is constant. What remains unknown is whether all parties can align in time to secure Sesko. If they succeed, it would be a defining statement in Arsenal’s quest to remain among Europe’s elite.