Opinion

Winners and losers from Benjamin Sesko’s transfer to Arsenal with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard impact

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Arsenal are closing in on finally ending their search for a striker.

Andrea Berta is in talks to sign Benjamin Sesko as Arsenal appear to have prioritised the RB Leipzig man over a move for Viktor Gyokeres.

Sesko is keen to join Arsenal after his reputation was once again enhanced with an excellent season in the Bundesliga and Mikel Arteta believes he is the man to fire the Gunners to a trophy next season.

RB Leipzig omitted Sesko from their latest squad for a post-season friendly in Brazil against Santos in another clear indication the striker is on the move.

Arsenal Insider looks at the winners and losers of a potential Sesko switch to the Emirates Stadium.

Benjamin Sesko celebrates scoring during RB Leipzig v FC Bayern München in the Bundesliga clash.
Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images

Winners from Benjamin Sesko’s transfer to Arsenal

Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka is excited for next season and so he should be after hearing the news that finally he will have a natural centre forward to play alongside.

Saka’s season was disrupted with injury however, the Hale End star still managed to produce 12 goals and 14 assists across all competitions.

With a striker like Sesko in the side, Saka’s numbers are set to increase even further as his crosses into dangerous areas will now be attacked on a regular basis.

Martin Odegaard

Martin Odegaard did not enjoy his best season in an Arsenal shirt and was another player hampered by an injury.

However, Odegaard found some form at the end of the campaign and will now be licking his lips at the prospect of Sesko’s arrival.

Odegaard is at his best when he has movement in front of him and targets to bounce passes off of and Sesko will provide both of those attributes.

Fans wanted a striker for Odegaard as he has shown with Norway how Erling Haaland elevates the Gunners captain’s game and now he has that forward.

Martin Odegaard’s Arsenal record this seasonAppearancesGoalsAssists
Odegaard45612
Martin Odegaard’s Arsenal record this season via Transfermarkt

Mikel Arteta

Arteta is under pressure to deliver a major trophy next season. The Arsenal hierarchy love Arteta but there is no doubt that he needs to bring success in the eyes of the club’s supporters.

In mitigation, injuries and suspensions have cost the Gunners this season but their lack of a striker is the club’s own fault – now Arteta has his wish.

Arteta sent a clear message to Berta after the Premier League defeat to Bournemouth that attacking reinforcements were needed and the sporting director has answered that message.

Now it is up to the Spaniard to find the right way to integrate Sesko into the side and take that final step towards glory.

Losers from Benjamin Sesko’s transfer to Arsenal

Kai Havertz

Kai Havertz has been exceptional for Arsenal in his role as the number nine and his injury absence showed how much he brings to the team.

Jamie Carragher has backed Havertz to retain his role as Arsenal’s striker next season despite Sesko’s potential arrival.

However, there have been several moments where it is clear that Havertz doesn’t quite have the clinical edge in front of goal that is required to win big trophies.

The German will still be an integral part of Arteta’s plans but being the main striker again next campaign looks highly unlikely.

Kai Havertz in action during Southampton FC v Arsenal FC in the Premier League clash.
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Jesus is falling further and further down the pecking order at the Gunners and Sesko’s arrival could be the final straw in terms of his future.

Currently out injured following surgery on his ACL, Jesus will not be back in action for the start of next campaign and there are now doubts as to whether he will return at all for Arsenal.

There is no doubting the talent the Brazilian possesses and fans will be urging him to return and regain his place in Arteta’s side but Sesko provides another barrier to that.