Arsenal are reportedly nearing a deal for their top target, Benjamin Sesko, as they are now prepared to invest heavily in a striker following a strong push from Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners had identified Sesko as their primary target during the summer transfer window in their search for a new striker. However, the deal did not materialize as the 21-year-old chose to stay with Bundesliga club RB Leipzig for another year.

Sesko, a standout young forward in Europe, was not replaced by Arsenal in the summer, which has proven to be a potential misstep. The team has struggled with scoring this season, relying heavily on Bukayo Saka and set pieces.

Initially, it was thought that Arsenal would wait until the summer to sign a new striker, but Gabriel Jesus’ injury might prompt an earlier move, leaving Mikel Arteta with only Kai Havertz as a center-forward option.

While Arsenal is linked with several alternatives, Sesko remains their preferred choice. He has scored 14 goals and provided three assists in 26 appearances for RB Leipzig this season.

A report on Wednesday indicated that Arsenal has made a new inquiry to RB Leipzig regarding Sesko. According to John Cross from The Mirror, Arteta is making a significant effort to secure Sesko, and the club is closing in on the striker.

The £60 million striker reportedly has a gentleman’s agreement with RB Leipzig, and Arsenal, having maintained contact, is believed to be the frontrunner to sign him.

It is also noted that they are ‘willing to spend big on a striker transfer now’ after they were given a ‘green light’ for ‘top target’ Sesko, though it needs to be the right player.

‘Arsenal are willing to do a big deal in January – but only if they can land a primary target.

‘They have been looking at top striker target, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who will be allowed to move in the summer with Arsenal in pole position. The Gunners will see if they can tempt RB Leipzig into a deal now to boost the rest of their campaign with a striker.

‘Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has spelt out that the club are in the market and there has been dialogue with the hierarchy, including Josh Kroenke to bolster the squad. Sesko, 21, has a gentleman’s agreement of around £60m which would allow him to leave in the summer and any club would have to make an offer to tempt them to do business now.

‘Arsenal have remained in touch, are on the case and are believed to be front-runners despite growing interest in the striker. It still remains odds against RB Leipzig selling but a bigger offer may tempt them and there is still a feeling that Arsenal are ready to do business.

‘But they are reluctant to compromise and rush into a deal now and then end up with a player who will not ultimately push their squad to the next level.’

Several Italian outlets are reporting that Juventus have finalized a deal with Chelsea to secure the services of defender Renato Veiga during the January transfer window.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Juventus will pay €4.5 million to bring the 21-year-old in on a straight loan deal until the end of the 2024-25 season.

The agreement does not include a purchase option, meaning Veiga will return to Stamford Bridge after his loan spell concludes. Additionally, Chelsea will retain responsibility for covering the player’s wages throughout his time in Turin.

Veiga will be Juventus’ second defensive signing of the January window, following the recent acquisition of Alberto Costa from Vitoria Guimaraes. The Bianconeri have been actively reinforcing their defense following long-term injuries to Bremer and Juan Cabal earlier this season.

Juventus are also preparing to announce the loan signing of Randal Kolo Muani from PSG on Thursday. This move was made possible after PSG reached an agreement to sell Juan Bernat to Villarreal.

Official: Juventus secure spot in Champions knockout stage

Juventus have officially secured a place in the Champions League knockout stage, despite a lackluster draw against Club Brugge.

The Bianconeri have amassed 12 points from their first seven matches in the Europa League stage, achieving three wins, three draws, and one loss. Thiago Motta’s side started their European campaign in impressive fashion, defeating PSV Eindhoven 3-0 and staging a remarkable comeback against RB Leipzig, even after being reduced to 10 men.

However, their momentum slowed with a surprising home loss to Stuttgart and consecutive draws against Lille and Aston Villa. Juventus ended the year on a high note with a 2-0 victory over Manchester City but resumed their campaign with a stalemate in Belgium.

Currently sitting 17th in the 36-team standings, Juventus’ 12 points guarantee their progression to the knockout phase, as 25th-placed Manchester City trails with just 8 points. This ensures the Bianconeri will finish within the Top 24.

Juventus will conclude their group-stage journey by hosting Benfica at the Allianz Stadium. A win could propel them into the Top 8, securing direct qualification to the Round of 16. Failing that, they would face a play-off round, adding two more matches to their already packed schedule. However, even a victory over Benfica might not suffice, as their final position depends on other results.

Meanwhile, fellow Serie A teams Inter, Atalanta, and Milan have all advanced to the next stage, each currently ranked in the Top 8. In contrast, Bologna have been eliminated, despite a stunning win against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.

Liverpool are reportedly in talks to secure the signing of Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich, according to German journalist Tobi Altschaffl.

Kimmich, who joined Bayern from VfB Stuttgart in 2015, has cemented his place as one of the world’s top midfielders, playing a pivotal role in helping the German giants win every major trophy over the past decade. He has also been a key figure for the German national team.

However, with his current contract at Bayern set to expire at the end of the season, speculation about his future has intensified in recent months.

Altschaffl, writing on X, revealed that Liverpool are exploring the possibility of signing Kimmich and may soon take concrete action to capitalize on his contract situation. While Manchester City have also shown interest, they reportedly prefer younger midfield options and are not prioritizing the 29-year-old.

For now, Kimmich is said to be taking his time before deciding his next move, and the most likely outcome remains an extension of his stay at Bayern Munich.

Liverpool’s midfield rebuild has been a work in progress. After missing out on several high-profile targets last summer, the club signed Wataru Endo to strengthen the holding midfield position. Although Endo played regularly under Jürgen Klopp, he has struggled to secure game time under new manager Arne Slot.

Instead, Ryan Gravenberch has been deployed as the No. 6 in most matches this season. Slot had initially aimed to sign Martin Zubimendi last summer as his preferred defensive midfield option, but the Spaniard chose to stay at Real Sociedad.

Kimmich, with his elite experience and technical abilities, would be a perfect fit for Slot’s possession-based system. His arrival could add much-needed quality and depth to Liverpool’s midfield.

It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will make a formal offer for Kimmich. If they succeed, the deal could be a game-changer for the Merseyside club.

Meanwhile, after securing a Champions League round-of-16 spot with a win over LOSC Lille, Slot’s Liverpool side is set to face Ipswich Town in their next Premier League fixture.

Liverpool get triple Champions League advantage that could take them to the final

Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Lille on Tuesday night maintained Arne Slot’s side’s perfect record in this season’s revamped Champions League group stage. A deflected goal from Harvey Elliott sealed the win at Anfield, securing Liverpool’s place in the round of 16 with a game to spare and allowing them to bypass next month’s play-off round.

The result also guaranteed Liverpool a top-two finish in their group. However, a dramatic last-minute winner from Barcelona in their astonishing 5-4 comeback against Benfica kept the Reds from clinching top spot with one match remaining.

Despite Barcelona’s thrilling fightback, Slot seemed unfazed, with his attention firmly fixed on avoiding a slip below eighth place and the additional fixtures that would come with it.

“For me the most important thing tonight is we have been able to skip a round. That is definitely worth a bit.”

Regardless of whether Liverpool finish first or second in their group, Arne Slot’s side have gained a significant triple advantage for the remainder of their Champions League campaign.

Few teams embrace knockout football and the magic of their home ground like Liverpool. Anfield’s legendary atmosphere and the memories of iconic European nights are woven into the club’s fabric. Now, that aura becomes an asset for Slot as he guides his team toward European glory in his debut season.

Liverpool’s place among the top two seeds in the last 16 gives them a theoretical edge, offering a potentially easier opponent in the first knockout round. More importantly, it guarantees home advantage for the second leg in every knockout stage match—a crucial factor given Anfield’s unmatched influence during decisive moments.

Additionally, their top-seed status ensures they won’t face Barcelona until the final, should both teams progress that far. This seeding also raises strategic considerations: with this year’s final taking place at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena, there’s an argument for encountering Bayern earlier in the competition. Facing them in a two-legged tie, including one match at Anfield, could be preferable to a final showdown on their home turf.

For now, the full scope of Liverpool’s path will become clear once the Champions League standings are finalized next week, confirming all 24 teams advancing to the knockout stages.