Gunners Face Setback in Dusan Vlahovic Pursuit and £67m Benjamin Sesko Decision.

Arsenal is facing a crucial period with less than two weeks remaining in the January transfer window, and Mikel Arteta’s side is under pressure to bolster their squad. The Gunners are dealing with significant injuries, including the loss of star winger Bukayo Saka, who has been ruled out until March with a torn hamstring, and Gabriel Jesus, whose devastating ACL injury is expected to sideline him for most of 2025. These setbacks have intensified calls for Arsenal to bring in a new striker, as their attacking depth has been severely tested.

While the transfer window remains open until 11pm on Monday, February 3, Arsenal has yet to make any signings in the January market, a situation that has raised concerns among fans and pundits alike. With their Premier League title hopes taking a hit following a dramatic 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, Arsenal now finds itself six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand. The result left Arteta’s men with much work to do as they aim to stay in the title race, and a strengthened squad is essential to maintaining their challenge at the top.

The primary focus for Arsenal’s management is undoubtedly the attack. Without Saka and Jesus, the team lacks the firepower needed to compete with the league’s best, especially in the face of such fierce competition. As the days pass, the pressure is mounting on Arteta and sporting director Edu to secure reinforcements before the window slams shut. One of the names that have been consistently linked with the club is Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic, who plays for Juventus.

However, Arsenal has suffered a blow in their pursuit of Vlahovic. The talented striker, who has been highly sought after since his days at Fiorentina, has been a target for several top clubs, and there have been reports that Juventus is reluctant to part with him during the current transfer window. Despite this, Vlahovic’s potential departure from Italy has not been entirely ruled out, and Arsenal could still explore a move if the situation changes.

Alongside Vlahovic, another name in the mix is Slovenian forward Benjamin Sesko. The RB Salzburg striker has been making waves with his performances in Austria, and his potential transfer has sparked interest from several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal. However, the reported price tag of £67 million has made a move for Sesko somewhat complicated. The Gunners are reportedly weighing the financial commitment required to sign him, especially given their current squad’s needs and the possibility of other transfer targets.

Sesko’s abilities as a powerful, dynamic striker with an eye for goal have made him an attractive prospect for Arsenal, who are looking for a long-term solution in attack. His age, combined with his potential, makes him a future star in the making. However, Arsenal faces stiff competition from other clubs, and the high price for Sesko may cause hesitation at the Emirates. Should they decide to pursue the transfer, Arsenal would need to act quickly to secure his signature before other suitors swoop in.

The dilemma facing Arsenal in the remaining days of the transfer window is multifaceted. On the one hand, they have a desperate need for a striker to cover for the injured Jesus and provide additional depth to their squad. On the other hand, the club must balance this need with the financial considerations of making significant investments in the squad, especially with the potential for other areas of weakness that may require attention in the future.

While Vlahovic and Sesko are the primary candidates, there are also other potential signings that Arsenal could explore in the coming days. However, the challenge is how to identify the right target who can hit the ground running, particularly in a season where every match is crucial. Arteta has shown faith in his current squad, but the recent injuries have highlighted the need for more depth, particularly in the forward areas.

Arsenal’s schedule remains intense, with midweek Champions League fixtures on the horizon. The Gunners are set to host Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Wednesday, and a win in that match could go a long way in securing their place in the knockout rounds. Given the importance of the game, Arteta will need to ensure that his team is as strong as possible to keep up their momentum in the competition and ensure they continue to challenge for silverware this season.

The club’s transfer business may not be complete, but with the clock ticking down on the January window, Arsenal faces a critical decision. Do they invest heavily in a striker, and if so, which player is the right fit? Will they go for the experienced Vlahovic, or will they pursue the exciting but costly prospect of Benjamin Sesko? The next few days will be crucial in shaping the rest of Arsenal’s season as they aim to bounce back from their recent setbacks and continue fighting for the Premier League title.

Mikel Arteta’s squad remains focused on the task at hand, but there’s no doubt that the pressure is mounting. With so much still to play for in the league and Europe, Arsenal’s success in the remaining weeks of the season will depend, in part, on how well they are able to strengthen their squad during this transfer window. Only time will tell whether the Gunners can land their top targets and provide Arteta with the reinforcements he so desperately needs to keep their title hopes alive.

As the transfer window draws to a close, Arsenal fans will be eagerly watching to see whether the club can pull off a deal for one of their key targets and ensure that they have the necessary squad depth to compete at the highest level. The fate of the club’s season could very well depend on the next steps taken in the transfer market.