Arsenal eye defensive midfielder after facing rejection from Benjamin Sesko

Arsenal were among the clubs heavily involved in the race to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig after it was revealed he had a £56 million termination clause with the giants of the Bundesliga.

The Gunners were well positioned to bring in the Slovenian, but he ultimately made the decision to continue his development with his current employers in Germany.

Athletic has reported that the Gunners are “not too disheartened” by Sesko's decision and had already acknowledged that extending his career at Leipzig remained a realistic possibility.

And therefore, the report adds that strengthening the midfield is now expected to be the “main focus” and the club is “leaning towards” signing a central midfielder rather than someone with a more attack-minded mindset.

Arsenal wants to acquire a new face to 'complement' Declan Rice' and with several midfield starts on the cards, it's understandable to see them prioritize a new arrival in the middle of the park.

Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson are “contemplating their future.” North Londoners may not stand in their way as their sales would result in a total profit considering they are products of the academy.

While no particular defensive midfielder has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium so far, Arsenal's recent urgency with transfers should suggest that a more recent upgrade is only a matter of time.

The Gunners' attack remains powerful even without a new striker

While it was logical for Arsenal to look for a striker, perhaps it is the right decision on their part to wait for Sesko rather than sign an alternative who was probably never at the top of their wish list.

The Athletic adds that the first division The runners-up will remain in contact with Sesko throughout next year to 'maintain the relationship', which would leave the door open to his signing in 2025.

For now, Mikel Arteta is able to summon four names that are capable of leading the line – Kai Havertz, Gabriel JesusEddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard.

Nketiah's future at the club remains unclear, but Havertz at Arsenal and Trossard at Brighton have done magnificently in the attacking position, proving to be more than reliable options for the manager.

On the other hand, Jesus is expected to start the new campaign at the peak of his fitness and there is no reason to think why he cannot regain his prominence after an injury-plagued 2023/24 season.