Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Arsene Wenger Lining Up Move for Stephane Sessegnon

The DailyExpress is running a story suggesting that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is ready to make a move for talented Sunderland attacker Stephane Sessegnon. The report indicates that Wenger could be willing to offer as much as £12 million in a deal also thought to include disappointing Gunners striker Nicklas Bendtner, taking it nearer to £20 million in total.

This is an intriguing piece of transfer speculation which could have some merit. Arsenal were interested in Sessegnon before he completed a £6 million move from Paris St. Germain to Sunderland in early 2011.

Bendtner is currently on loan with the Black Cats and has fallen way down the pecking order at Arsenal. The cocky young Dane has frustrated Gunners fans for years with his hit and miss performances. But Bendtner has the height and strength Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has often liked in his strikers.

O'Neill had Emile Heskey at Leicester City, as well as bullish Welsh target man John Hartson at Glasgow Celtic. O'Neill also brought tall Norwegian John Alieu Carew to Aston Villa and just might be intrigued by the possibility of trying to get Bendtner to reach his potential. If so, it could smooth the way for a deal involving Sessegnon.

The Benin international is a terrific talent. He has pace, technique and outstanding awareness. Sessegnon is a natural link player between the midfield and forward lines. The 27-year-old makes intelligent runs and offers the touch and composed finishing to add plenty of goals to Arsenal's attack. His attacking output would help ease the burden on star striker Robin van Persie.

Sessegnon has the skill and flair to blend seamlessly into Arsenal's more fluid and open style of play. At times in Arsenal's 2-1 victory at Sunderland, Sessegnon looked overwhelmed having to play the role of a more traditional striker, attempting to hold the ball up.

His qualities are better suited to an Arsenal passing game based on efficient distribution and quick and clever movement. Sessegnon is certainly a player Wenger should consider adding to the Arsenal ranks.