Arsenal are believed to be interested in signing a striker. One may argue that they already have a capable option in Kai Havertz, but the German clearly needs competition, which Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah cannot provide and next season, Mikel Arteta needs another striking option to share Havertz’s workload.
Notably, these last few days, we have been led to believe that RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is the striker to join this Arsenal team with Mirror’s John Cross claiming that Sesko has agreed to move to North London with the Gunners looking to part ways with £45 million.
But what is Arteta expecting he will bring to the Emirates Stadium?
Sesko’s versatility, speed and ability to quickly change direction confuses defenders. And he’s one of the most clinical strikers with precise and powerful shots. Off the ball, he continues to work hard, persistently pressing opponents, making him a nuisance for teams that try to play out of the back an attribute Mikel strongly values and a pressing from the front tactic that we saw Havertz and Odegaard carry it to perfection last season.
As tall as he is (6 feet 5in – 1.95m), he is strong in the air, winning headers and scoring from crosses and set pieces something in which Arsenal excelled last season. But he also drifts deep to link up the play and provide opportunities for counterattacks.
Lastly his age will appeal to Mikel. He is only 21 and can therefore be coached and developed to fit in to the way Arteta’s Arsenal play their football providing a viable option for the number 9 position. And he can be part of the model of a young squad which can develop and mature, something that Arteta embraced from the beginning of his tenure thus not only preserving but increasing his value during his time at Arsenal.
Sesco’s league stats compared to Gunner strikers Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Eddie Nketiah over the last two seasons show he could be an upgrade to Arteta’s attacking options.
2022-23
Sesko: 30 games, 16 goals, 3 assists
Jesus: 26 games, 12 goals, 6 assists
Nketiah: 30 games, 4 goals, 1 assist
Havertz: 35 games, 7 goals, 1 assist
2023-24
Sesko: 31 games, 14 goals, 2 assists
Jesus: 27 games, 4 goals, 5 assists
Nketiah: 27 games, 5 goals, 2 assists
Havertz: 37 games, 13 goals, 7 assists
Sesco appears have a better ratio of goals to games but one has to take into account that last season was Havertz’s first with Arsenal and the constant changing of positions from left midfield to false 9 (or 9 ½) has negatively impacted his effectiveness. It is logical to assume that Havertz will be far more influential next season.
And Sesco’s competition and freshness can propel both players to provide the impetus that we need up front to maintain the team’s efficiency at a high level both in the Premier League and in the Champions League next season.
