Arsenal’s record in the January transfer window is about as consistent as Tottenham’s form at the moment. One year is good the other non-existent, and this has put fans in a worrisome mindset when it comes to this winter.

Arsenal have one player whose name simply will not go away - Benjamin Sesko. football.london understands that the striker is still of keen interest to the club but so far that has not progressed and German media supports this with claims that talks have not been initiated between the clubs whatsoever.

Arsenal wanted Sesko in the summer but the situation, early in the window, simply did not allow for a move to materialise. The Gunners have missed out on key targets before like Lisandro Martinez, Mykhailo Mudryk and Mason Mount.

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However, the club have shown the ability to pivot to other options when their primary target has not been gettable. Oleksandr Zinchenko, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz were all brought in after the initial player moved elsewhere with varying levels of success.

However, with Sesko, this was not the case. This is not the first time this has happened either, with the summer of 2022 seeing the club make a move for Raphinha.

Eventually the Brazilian international would instead move to Barcelona where he has gone on to reach very high levels. His goal contributions this season have already breached the 30-figure with no sign of that slowing.

Then-sporting director Edu Gaspar, in a rare interview, explained why the deal did not happen. “People think we went in too deep about Raphinha because Raphinha was everywhere,” Edu told Sky Sports.

“It’s fair we had a conversation with Deco because Deco is his agent and I have a good relationship, we are friends. I just said to Deco, ‘Can you explain the situation to me for Raphinha?’

“And he was clear, he said ‘Edu, we have a good relationship, I’m not going to lie to you, his idea is to go to Barcelona because his dream is to go to Barcelona, and we [have been talking] to Barcelona since [a] long time ago.’

“Okay, thank you very much (Edu responded). If something happens, just let me know, because I can explore and understand the situation, if not, no problem and we carry on with our relationship.”

The reality is that Arsenal have a very high bar when it comes to committing on players. This stems from a combination of the situation, the existing level of players in key positions, the restrictions on spending, a sustainable model and most importantly, historic issues with previous deals.

No club has a perfect record, but the reality is Arsenal’s business has seen them go from a club languishing in the mid-top-half of the table to a side now expected to not only compete for titles, but win them. If the best isn’t available, the club are happy to wait until they are.

The problem now is that has left them a little short, but this is mainly because of a major injury crisis. Whether Arteta and the club lower that bar, remains to be seen.

Equally, whether the club is willing to financially go big for the likes of Sesko this winter regardless is also unclear. But the clock is ticking on Arsenal’s chances to do business.