The talented Sunderland attacker gave mixed messages in a recent interview- could he be open to making the switch?
He was asked by his local daily paper about a switch- and his answer was pretty non-committal either way.
Let’s have a look at the words:
“Interest from some bigger English clubs? I don’t think about that.
“Above all I am just thinking about scoring and assisting.
“We will talk about my future again at the end of the season.”
There are various ways to interpret those comments.
He has managed to paraphrase the standard footballer’s motto, ‘taking each game as it comes’, giving reassurance to his club’s fans, while hardly giving a ringing endorsement that his future lies at the Stadium of Light either.
Sessegnon was reported to be unsettled last Autumn, having been at the club several months with only fleeting moments of quality.
Since Martin O’Neill arrived he has been transformed.
He is the side’s playmaker and a regular goalscorer, also providing several assists, and has been instrumental in the side’s success.
So why wouldn’t Arsenal be interested?
He would be available for around £12 million, and as he plays centrally could be perfect behind the striker.
Next season assuming van Persie stays, Arsenal could play three behind him, Walcott, Sessegnon, and Oxlade-Chamberlain.
They could then sit Wilshere and Arteta anchoring a five man midfield, giving them a perfect mix of flair, passing, and ball-winning abilities.
It would be silly to think a player like Sessegnon does not crave a move to a top club, but it will depend on Martin O’Neill convincing him to stay.
O’Neill is building a quality side, and will need to convince Sessegnon to stay and be a central part of it.
Supporters would hate to see him go, and for O’Neill it would be a sudden jolt back to his Aston Villa days when he saw his talented side torn apart by his top players joining the big clubs.
One man can end the speculation, Stephane Sessegnon. If he continues to make ambiguous comments like ‘we will talk about my future at the end of the season’, it gives every indication he may be willing to depart.
Arsenal would be silly not to try and tempt him.
Arsenal fans would you like to see Sessegnon at the Emirates?
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
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