Arsenal's need for a striker has become far more apparent in recent games. Despite having the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz in their ranks, the Gunners have simply not been clinical enough in front of goal.

After Jesus limped off with a knee injury in the FA Cup clash with Manchester United on Sunday, Havertz missed a couple of glorious chances in front of goal which proved to be costly. The fact the German was the only player to miss his spot kick in the penalty shootout did not help matters and serious questions are now starting to be asked.

football.london understands that Arsenal intended to be reactive rather than proactive in the January transfer window, with an attacking player among the options being considered. With Bukayo Saka injured and now Jesus most probably out of action for a while, the north Londoners may be forced into the market.

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Mikel Arteta is open to bringing in fresh faces but the Spaniard has been clear he wants quality rather than quantity. "First of all, someone who can impact the team," Arteta said when asked last week what profile of player he wants to bring in.

"Bringing in bodies doesn't help at all, it is just someone who can immediately impact on performance and bring something we don't have. In this market it is very difficult to achieve."

Arsenal were interested in signing a striker in the summer, although, in the end, nothing materialised. There was a keenness on Benjamin Sesko at the start of the window but the pieces failed to fall into place.

The Slovenian international instead signed a new contract with RB Leipzig and has scored 12 goals in 24 appearances for the German giants so far this campaign. His latest strike was a thunderbolt during Leipzig's 4-2 Bundesliga win vs Werder Bremen on Sunday and perhaps sends a timely reminder to Arteta and the Gunners transfer chiefs.

Interestingly regarding Sesko, his new deal is understood to contain a release clause. Whether this is available to be activated in January remains unknown, however there is understood to be a 'gentleman's agreement' in place for a move to happen in 2025 should a move that Sesko desires come along.

football.london understands that Arsenal are continuing to follow Sesko closely and interest remains in the striker. It is interesting then that Leipzig look to be signing AC Milan forward Noah Okafor this winter. Sky Germany report that the 24-year-old, who can play on the wing and as a striker, is set for a medical ahead of a loan move which includes a purchase option.

With Okafor close to a move to Leipzig, it may pave the way for Sesko to leave the Bundesliga side should he wish. With Arsenal still in the Premier League title race and in a good position to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages, a move to Emirates Stadium could be on the cards. With three weeks of the winter window to come, a lot could happen between now and February 3 and Arsenal's hunt for a striker should be watched closely.