Leeds United have sacked Marcelo Bielsa as head coach and look set to replace him with Jesse Marsch in an attempt to arrest the very concerning slide towards the relegation places.
Arsenal won 4-1 away at Leeds in December and The Peacocks have conceded a further 24 goals in the subsequent eight league games. This has led them to sit second bottom of the table in regard to goal difference with a minus 31 score, second only to Norwich City’s minus 40.
Marsch’s seemingly imminent arrival at Leeds could have some interesting impacts for Arsenal in the transfer market considering the American’s former employers.
Out of management since leaving RB Leipzig, Marsch was previously at Red Bull Salzburg where he led the Austrian side to multiple major trophies in the country and progression through the Champions League.
He was responsible for the further development of players like Erling Haaland, Dominik Szoboszlai and Patson Daka.
His knowledge of Red Bull’s European clubs could open up Leeds United to possible ventures into the market for their top talent.
Arsenal have had an interest in multiple players from Salzburg including Szoboszlai who they were keen on bringing to the club at the end of 2020 prior to his January transfer to Leipzig.
Naby Keita is another player that Arsenal have had an interest in, again before RB Leipzig snapped up the central midfielder.
Leeds meanwhile have already been linked to attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson. The USMNT player was signed to replace the outgoing Szoboszlai and has impressed since his time in Europe.
Salzburg have plenty of talent that Arsenal could look to for further strengthening of their side. Mohamed Camara stood out in the first leg of Salzburg’s 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich.
The performance put a number of clubs on alert, and he would be an excellent replacement for Mohamed Elneny whose Arsenal deal expires this summer.
Arsenal’s need in the striker department continues to grow and whilst highly rated Karim Adeyemi looks set to join Borussia Dortmund in the near future, there remain plenty more striking talents at the club.
Noah Okafor has been a wide player turned centre forward this season. He is the second-highest scorer behind Adeyemi with 12 goals in 26 matches across all competitions.
However, 18-year-old Benjamin Sesko is the next one to watch from the academy. Recently promoted from FC Liefering, Salzburg’s B team where he scored 21 goals in 29 games at 17 years of age, he is already making an impact for The Bulls' senior side.
Arsenal need to be wary of allowing more talents to escape the Red Bull franchise. Erling Haaland, Sadio Mane, Dayot Upamecano amongst others should be enough warnings but the Gunners are still yet to pounce.
Marsch’s presence at Leeds will only make the challenge that much trickier should they wish to pursue a deal for one of the aforementioned players.
Meanwhile, Arsenal could look to take advantage of the situation unfolding at Elland Road by eyeing a deal for Raphinha, who will most likely look to leave if things do not improve for his side.
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