Benjamin Sesko, Bukayo Saka and Ederson (Photographs by Maja Hitij, Clive Mason, Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Photographs)
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It was attention-grabbing watching the highlights of the Leipzig vs Juventus sport within the Champions League final week. It was a story of two strikers, Benjamin Sesko and Dusan Vlahovic, who’ve been closely linked to Arsenal up to now.
Each had been spectacular, scoring twice, though it was Vlahovic who finally got here out on high when Francisco Conceicao scored that high-quality late winner to offer Juventus an thrilling 3-2 win in Germany.
While the Vlahovic ship has sailed in the case of Arsenal, I’m holding a eager eye on Sesko this season as I nonetheless suppose there’s a likelihood that Arsenal will revisit their curiosity within the Slovenia worldwide sooner or later, possibly even subsequent summer time.
Clearly they had been very eager to carry him in over the past switch window, however the 21-year-old determined to remain and signal a brand new contract with Leipzig.
That call was a disappointment to Arsenal, however I don’t consider it was a choice that burned any bridges between the membership and the striker when it comes to a transfer sooner or later.
A number of the groundwork was executed earlier than the summer time window and I don’t consider there was any type of breakdown in relationship behind the scenes simply because Sesko opted to remain put.
I’m positive Arsenal understood his determination on the time as a result of to be trustworthy it made quite a lot of sense. From a footballing and growth viewpoint, staying with Leipzig was the best name.
Take a look at how issues have gone. Sesko is taking part in usually, he’s scoring objectives and he’s growing properly. Had he moved to Arsenal, he would have been taking part in understudy to Kai Havertz and doubtless having to make do with getting the odd minute right here and there.
However sooner or later he’s going to resolve the time is correct to maneuver to a better degree and it wouldn’t shock me in any respect if Arsenal return in for him.
Arsenal nonetheless wish to signal a striker. However they don’t wish to signal one only for the sake of it. That’s why they saved their energy dry final summer time after Sesko mentioned no earlier within the window.
They had been assured that they had sufficient firepower to get them via the season and the shape Havertz is exhibiting proper now reveals you why.
However I believe they may look so as to add one other frontman on the finish of the season and I wouldn’t rule out Sesko once more being a reputation which is in direction of the highest of their record.
Ederson’s star is rising with Atalanta and Arsenal had a possibility to get a detailed up view of his skills when the 2 groups met within the Champions League just a few weeks in the past.
The Brazilian is being linked with quite a lot of golf equipment for the time being, together with Arsenal, and that’s no actual shock given the best way he has been performing in Italy below Gian Piero Gasperini.
Arsenal are taking a look at midfield choices forward of the summer time, with the futures of Jorginho and Thomas Partey very a lot doubtful proper now and I’m positive Ederson’s identify would have been mentioned given the shape he has been in of late.
However I can’t say for sure whether or not he’s a participant they’re significantly contemplating as an possibility proper now. It’s simply too early for the time being for that. I’ve actually not heard something myself.
There can be numerous midfielders linked with Arsenal over the approaching months, that’s a given. However they may bide their time and ensure after they do make a transfer for somebody, it’s somebody they consider is who’s completely suited to the undertaking.
Ederson is clearly a really achieved participant, he’s proven that with Atalanta and he’s now beginning to get some alternatives with Brazil as nicely.
Whether or not that’s sufficient to persuade Arsenal to affix the race for him, nevertheless, we’ll have to attend and see.
Kieran Tierney is continuous to work his means again to full health after the terrible hamstring damage he suffered on the Euros in the summertime whereas taking part in for Scotland.
Had that damage not occurred, I’m positive Tierney would have been taking part in for one more membership proper now. That was actually the plan anyway following his mortgage spell with Actual Sociedad final season.
However the damage put an finish to any probabilities of a transfer and the main target now could be on the left-back getting himself again absolutely match forward of the January window.
He’s not in Mikel Arteta’s plans anymore. That’s been clear for a very long time and Tierney accepts that.
There isn’t any animosity there. He is aware of the membership has moved on and that his qualities as a left-back will not be what Arsenal want within the system that they play.
He has been included in Arsenal’s Premier League squad for the season so he might play as soon as match, however I battle to essentially see that taking place.
He’ll hope to get a transfer in January, most likely on mortgage, so he can get some minutes someplace forward of the summer time when he can attempt to safe a everlasting transfer away from North London.
Truthfully, the entire Saka/Palmer/Foden debate simply makes me chortle.
Why is it that each time certainly one of them does one thing first rate, we now have to spend the following 24 or 48 hours arguing about who is healthier?
All three of them are simply improbable gamers in their very own proper. Isn’t that sufficient?
Clearly, I’ve watched Saka come via at Arsenal. I noticed him within the youth groups and I noticed him make the breakthrough into the senior aspect.
I used to be there in Germany when he scored his first Arsenal objective in opposition to Frankfurt within the Europa League and was one of many group of journalists who interviewed him instantly after the sport.
It was apparent to me then that Arsenal had a participant who was only a bit totally different to nearly all of the remainder you see come via the ranks.
I simply had a sense he was going to make a big effect on the crew, however I might by no means have predicted what he has gone on to attain since.
His file speaks for itself and the best way he has began this season, regardless of having barely any day without work, reveals that he’s nonetheless getting higher and higher.
He was phenomenal once more on Saturday. He simply steps up and delivers time and time once more. He’s simply so dependable, so constant and so exact with what he does.
He received’t care about what’s mentioned away from the pitch. Whether or not folks consider he’s ‘world class’ or not won’t hassle him within the slightest.
And that’s what’s so nice about him. He’s so degree headed, so mature. All he cares about is performing week in, week out for Arsenal.
He received’t be listening to any comparisons between himself and different gamers and utilizing it as motivation. All he’s motivated by is bettering and making an attempt to win trophies.
He’s the final word crew participant. Somebody who will win a sport for you in assault, however may also work as onerous as anybody defensively. That’s what makes him stand out from the pack.
It’s been a privilege to observe his development up to now and I can’t wait to see what continues to be to return.
