Benjamin Šeško’s Potential Move to Arsenal Faces a Setback as West Ham and Celtic’s Transfer Activities Create Complications

Arsenal’s pursuit of 21-year-old RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško has been one of the most talked-about transfer sagas this January. However, recent developments have put a significant obstacle in the way of the Gunners securing the highly-rated forward before the transfer window closes.

Šeško, who made the move to Leipzig from Red Bull Salzburg in 2023, has rapidly established himself as one of the most promising young strikers in European football. After a solid debut season in the Bundesliga, where he netted 18 goals across all competitions, Šeško has continued his rise in the current 2024/25 campaign, already scoring 14 goals. His ability to make a difference in the attacking third has caught the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs, with Arsenal among those keenest to bring him to North London.

For Arsenal, the addition of a top-tier striker like Šeško is a priority as manager Mikel Arteta looks to add depth to his attacking options. The Gunners have been monitoring the Slovenian forward for over a year, and with Gabriel Jesus currently sidelined due to injury, there was hope that they could secure Šeško’s signature during this transfer window.

However, just as Arsenal looked set to make a move for the striker, competition for his signature has intensified. West Ham United have reportedly entered the race, and according to Sky Germany, they are in advanced talks to sign RB Leipzig’s André Silva, another striker at the club. This potential move poses a significant challenge for Arsenal, as Leipzig is unlikely to allow both Šeško and Silva to leave in the same window. With Silva’s potential departure looming, Arsenal may now have to shelve their plans to sign Šeško until the summer.

West Ham’s interest in Silva, if successful, would likely block any immediate move for Šeško. As a result, Arsenal may have to consider alternative options in the short term or opt for a long-term strategy, waiting until the summer window to secure the striker’s services. This setback is further complicated by Celtic’s own pursuit of potential reinforcements.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been vocal about his interest in bringing Mathias Kvistgaarden to Parkhead. The Denmark international, who has been linked with Leipzig as well, could now be pursued by the Scottish giants, further complicating Leipzig’s plans. If Kvistgaarden joins, it could be the catalyst for Leipzig to reconsider their plans for Šeško, potentially influencing the summer transfer window.

Despite these hurdles, Šeško remains one of Leipzig’s most prized assets. The club is unlikely to entertain a sale without securing a suitable replacement. Other targets being considered by Leipzig include Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray. However, Šeško’s potential departure remains a possibility, with a price tag of around £60 million, making him a highly coveted figure in this transfer window.

This means that Arsenal may have to reconsider their strategy for the remainder of the season. While Arteta has expressed interest in bringing in a new striker, the road to acquiring Šeško has become increasingly complicated. The Gunners could still explore options in the short term, but a move for Šeško seems more likely in the summer, giving the club more time to plan for his integration into the squad.

Arsenal’s long-term pursuit of Šeško was always going to face challenges, but the unexpected rise of West Ham and Celtic’s transfer activity has added complexity to the situation. The Gunners’ hopes of securing the Slovenian striker this winter now hinge on whether they can convince Leipzig to part ways with their star forward, or if they will have to bide their time until the summer.

Šeško’s ability to adapt quickly to the Premier League is one of the reasons Arsenal has been so keen on him. The young forward has shown immense promise since joining Leipzig, and his form in the current season further strengthens his appeal. If Arsenal can secure his signature, they will be adding a player with immense potential to their attacking options, alongside Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.

As the transfer window draws to a close, Arsenal’s ability to balance short-term and long-term objectives will be put to the test. The club’s pursuit of Šeško could turn into a summer project, but in the meantime, Arteta will need to explore other options to ensure his squad is well-equipped for the remainder of the season.

The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether Arsenal can land their top target or if they will have to wait until the summer to bring in the striker they need. For now, the Gunners will need to assess their options carefully and ensure they are ready to act quickly when the opportunity arises.

In conclusion, Benjamin Šeško’s move to Arsenal now faces significant challenges, with West Ham and Celtic both playing pivotal roles in the unfolding transfer drama. The Gunners may have to wait until the summer to secure his services, but with Šeško’s continued growth, Arsenal’s patience could very well pay off when the time is right. In the meantime, the club will be monitoring the situation closely and considering alternative targets to bolster their attacking options for the remainder of the season.