Arsenal Transfer: Arsene Wenger Hopes to Sign Stephane Sessegnon This Summer

Buying Stephane Sessegnon this summer has become a "priority" for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, according to the Shields Gazette.

The 28-year-old attacking midfielder has been in fine form for Sunderland this season, notching seven goals and nine assists in 35 league matches, and helping lead the side to its current 11th-place league standing.

The former Paris Saint-Germain star joined the Black Cats in January 2011 for £6 million. His contract at Wearside runs until 2014.

Martin O'Neill, who took over at Sunderland from Steve Bruce last December, is in no mood to see one of his best players fly the coop. Reports have Sessegnon's exit fee set at £17.7 million—the same price fixed upon another Gunners transfer target, Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila.

Sessegnon has been a long-term link to the Emirates, and his fine form at Sunderland this season—he was named the Supporters' Player of the Year earlier this month—has shown that he is more than capable of handling the rigors of Premier League football.

The player has distanced himself from a potential move away from the Stadium of Light, though:

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"I’ve got no problem with life here and it’s always good news to hear that the manager wants to keep you,” Sessegnon said.

“I’m aware of the speculation, but I can’t do anything about it.

“As I’ve said before, I don’t feel that my work here is finished.”

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