Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is determined to prise Stephane Sessegnon away from Sunderland.

The Daily Star says Sessegnon, 27, has impressed boss Martin O'Neill, who has described him as 'essential' to his plans at the Stadium of Light .

The Benin ace has scored nine goals in nearly 40 games for the Black Cats since a £6million switch from Paris Saint-Germain.

His arrival could prompt the sale of underachieving England winger Theo Walcott, 22.