Arsenal are set to end their search for a striker in the January transfer window with a bid for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko. The Gunners have been hit by injury issues to key players in recent weeks, with forward Gabriel Jesus joining the likes of Bukayo Saka and Ben White on the sidelines.

The Brazilian will miss the rest of the season after suffering an ACL injury against Manchester United in Sunday's FA Cup tie, with Mikel Arteta desperate for new additions. Arsenal have been consistently linked with a move for Newcastle United's Alexander Isak, of course, but the Magpies are not interested in selling their star man, even with astronomical pricetags suggested in some quarters.

However, the Gunners could now be ready to make a move for one-time United target Sesko, with the 21-year-old high on their wishlist. The Slovenia forward has been the subject of much speculation, but it was thought that he would assess his future in the summer window.

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Arsenal are keen to bring that decision forward - and it could have a huge impact on Newcastle. The Gunners head to Tyneside on February 5 for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final. Eddie Howe's men hold a 2-0 lead over Arsenal, and will be confident of of securing a place at Wembley against either Tottenham or Liverpool.

If Sesko were to sign then he WOULD be eligible to play in the second leg, despite not being reigstered for the first leg. EFL rules only state that players must be registered to play in Premier League or EFL games, and have not played for another side in that season's competition.

Newcastle's Anthony Gordon was not able to play in the 2024 final against Manchester United having already played for Everton in earlier rounds, but as Sesko is currently playing in Germany, that would not be an issue. If it is a loan deal, then Arsenal would need Leipzig's permission for him to play in cup matches, which is unlikely to a stumbling block.

Speaking about the need for a striker following Arsenal's 2-1 Premier League win over North London rivals Tottenham on Wednesday night, Arteta said: “Yes, for sure. Because we lost two players, big players, Bukayo [Saka], who can be out for up to three months, that’s a long time, and Gabby, who is going to be out for a long, long, long time.”