Has Mikel Arteta found his Arsenal striker in Benjamin Sesko?
By Adam Schultz
![FBL-GER-BUNDESLIGA-FRANKFURT-LEIPZIG FBL-GER-BUNDESLIGA-FRANKFURT-LEIPZIG](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3000,h_1687,x_0,y_224/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/209/01hz6ashe12wrm8hb76s.jpg)
Arsenal is eyeing a new frontman this summer, and it appears that the club is already close to getting its transfer business started.
Mikel Arteta stated after the Premier League's final matchday that Arsenal wanted to get its business done early, and it appears he was right.
In a little over a week, we have heard multiple rumors about certain players, but nothing substantial has come about...until now.
The Daily Mirror's John Cross has reported that the Gunners are the clubhouse leaders to sign RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko with a reported fee of around £45m thought to be enough to entice the Bundesliga club to part ways with the 20-year-old.
"RB Leipzig striker Sesko is being courted by a host of clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United while there is strong interest from Italy," Cross writes. "But Arsenal now appear to be in pole position for the £45m-rated forward as the Slovenia international prefers moving to the Emirates after finding himself at the centre of a transfer battle."
🚨 Arsenal are ready to press ahead with their interest in RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. The player has made it clear to his representatives that Arsenal is his preferred destination. Sesko’s release clause, HITC understands, is £55m. [@GraemeBailey] #afc pic.twitter.com/VdcPtBrYhO
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) May 30, 2024
So, Sesko wants Arsenal, and Arsenal want Sesko, but is he the right choice?
Having scored 14 times for Leipzig in just 17 starts, that is the kind of prolific scorer the Gunners have missed since the days of Robin van Persie. Additionally, the 6'5' striker has traits that will make Gunners' fans excited at the prospect of Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, and Bukayo Saka feeding him next season.
Sesko, despite his size, has electrifying pace, is a lethal finisher with both feet, and is an aerial nightmare for defenders, which gives the Gunners yet another avenue in attack that they didn't have this past season. Plus, he has all the flair and tricks to fit in at Arsenal, and with his ability to turn his defender with ease, he could rack up goals in north London.
While his game with his back to the goal will need some fine-tuning, there is no doubting his potential, and with a player who has breakaway speed, something the Gunners haven't had, coupled with his aerial prowess, it looms as a win-win for a player and club.
Of course, he is only 20, so if the deal does go through, we shouldn't expect Sesko to be the finished product, but he has all the qualities that Arteta wants, and as the spearhead of Arsenal's attack, the Gunners finally might have solved their "striker problems."
And at just £45m, it would be money well spent on a player that has ridiculous upside.
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