Mikel Arteta has announced that Arsenal is looking to accelerate their summer transfer plans and secure new signings this month. The Gunners are in urgent need of attacking reinforcements following significant injuries to key players Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.

RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, 21, has been a target for Arsenal for the past year and is expected to leave the German club this summer. However, Arsenal is considering whether to make a £70 million bid now or explore a short-term loan option.

Arteta explained, “We have more necessity now because of what happened in the last few weeks. We never just plan a window. We have a plan, we look at the squad, how we are going to evolve it, what we have in the academy, how we are going to change and adapt.”

He acknowledged the challenges the team is facing, stating, “Either we are really bad at planning or nobody could see we would have that many injuries. We have lost two massive players in the front line, and we need some support there.”

Saka, who underwent hamstring surgery before Christmas, is expected to be out until March, while Jesus could be sidelined for the remainder of the year due to an ACL injury.

Sesko’s agent, Elvis Basanovic, has indicated that a January transfer is unlikely unless a substantial offer is made, especially as Leipzig is competing for a Champions League spot. Arteta emphasized the importance of understanding the context surrounding potential signings.