Arsenal face a challenge in their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko due to inflated comparisons valuing him at £65 million.
As the transfer window opens, Arsenal have begun their search for a center forward, with supporters eager to learn more about potential targets. One player of interest is 20-year-old Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko. His release clause of €65 million (£55.6 million) makes a deal feasible before the European Championships.
Arsenal hopes to finalize Sesko’s future before the Euros, but interest from clubs across Europe is high. This has led to some misconceptions among fans. To understand these, it’s important to recognize Arsenal’s current striker situation. Gabriel Jesus, signed for £45 million in 2022, has been somewhat overshadowed by Kai Havertz, who initially faced skepticism but has gained appreciation for his goals and performances, including key contributions in the North London Derby.
Despite this, Arsenal’s recent eliminations, such as against Bayern Munich and a home defeat to Aston Villa, highlight the need for improved striker options. Sesko could provide this improvement. However, misconceptions have arisen due to his height, with some assuming he is too similar to the 6ft 4ins Havertz. In reality, their playing styles differ significantly.
Havertz acts more as a target man, linking play and positioning himself to win balls and take shots. Sesko, slightly taller at 6ft 5ins, is a technical forward known for his take-ons, where he outperforms Havertz both in frequency (2.06 vs. 1.43 per 90 minutes) and success rate (48.6% vs. 38.1%). While both have scored headers, Sesko’s potential as a technical forward sets him apart.
Mikel Arteta would likely prefer Sesko over Eddie Nketiah for crucial late-game goals, given Sesko’s age and potential to develop. Sesko’s acquisition would not only provide immediate competition for Havertz but also represent a long-term investment for Arsenal.