Arsenal have initiated concrete talks with RB Leipzig over the potential signing of striker Benjamin Sesko.
Sesko enjoyed a relatively fruitful campaign for Leipzig, netting 21 times across all competitions, with 13 of these strikes coming in the Bundesliga.
Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer of Sesko, and is eager to pry him away from Germany this summer, to provide some cover and competition for Kai Havertz.
It’s been reported for several weeks that Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are the two strikers Arsenal are considering most seriously.
The former has now emerged as the more likely acquisition for the Gunners, as Andrea Berta has held talks with Leipzig executive Marcel Schafer about a potential deal.
Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko has an exceptional record in big games
Some Arsenal fans have question marks about Sesko and his ability to hit the ground running instantly next season.
Indeed, the Slovenian certainly needs refining and likely wouldn’t immediately usurp Havertz in the pecking order if he does end up in N5.
However, what cannot be questioned is his ability to make meaningful contributions in big matches.
The 21-year-old has already scored three career goals against Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, while he has two goals and an assist in just four appearances against Borussia Dortmund.
Meanwhile, he’s also scored three goals against both Eintracht Frankfurt and Stuttgart, while he netted multiple times against Sturm Graz and Rapid Vienna back in Austria.
Sesko has also scored six goals in ten Champions League starts for Leipzig, contributing to four goals in two appearances against Napoli, two in one against Juventus and one in one against Atletico Madrid.
While boasting an excellent record in big matches, Arsenal have struggled to find the back of the net from open play in crucial games against the very best teams in the last two seasons.
In 2023/24, Arsenal scored no open play goals across away games against Manchester City, Newcastle, Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
This term, they netted a late consolation against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes and didn’t score from open play at St. James’ Park or the Etihad again.
Adding someone like Sesko who is renowned for producing a special moment in matches like this would certainly be valuable.
Is Benjamin Sesko’s big game record enough for Arsenal to buy him?
While Sesko’s record against the elite teams would be a nice asset to add to Arsenal’s squad, he has to be able to contribute against a multitude of different sides.
This record speaks to his fearless mindset, but it also suggests he thrives against teams that afford him more space to run in behind.
The vast majority of Arsenal’s opponents sit in low blocks, meaning Sesko would have to work on his ability to find space in congested areas inside the penalty box.
Otherwise, he’s simply not going to be prolific enough and will encounter similar issues to what Gabriel Martinelli has faced in recent seasons.
He has the potential to become very good, but Arteta will have a lot of nurturing to do with Sesko.
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