Arsenal want a new striker, and thanks in large part to Mikel Arteta, they’re able to attract the big names once again. Throughout last season, Victor Gyokeres was mentioned more than any others, but now, Benjamin Sesko seems to be the number nine the Gunners have set their heart on.

According to Sky Germany, talks between Arsenal and RB Leipzig over a potential deal for the 22-year-old are ongoing. Leipzig value Sesko at a massive £92.5 million, per The Telegraph, quite the fee for a striker who only scored 13 league goals last season. A penny for Gyokeres’ thoughts.

If we’re looking at sheer number of goals, it would be a no-brainer, the Sporting forward scored a massive 54 in 52 games last season, he would also likely be cheaper considering his reported £60 million ‘verbal agreement’ release clause. So, what does Sesko have that Gyokeres doesn’t?

Comparing playing styles

Both forwards have that dog in them, they’re just a slightly different breed. Gyokeres is a Jack Russell terrier, full of energy, never giving any opposition defender a moment’s rest, biting at their ankles as soon as he gets a sniff on goal.

Sesko, other the other hand, is more of a Great Dane. Standing at 6ft 4in, he’s massive, strong, and a genuine athletic marvel. He’s been compared to Erling Haaland, and it’s easy to see why; they’re the same height and just as deceptively quick.

Arteta is a big fan of a BIG number nine. Havertz spent most of his time on the field in that position last season, to the frustrations of plenty of fans, but the German’s hold-up play and heading ability are clearly what his boss wants to see. Sesko can do all of that and be more clinical at the same time.

Mikel Arteta’s tactical shift at Arsenal

When he first came in, Arteta was very much the Pep Guardiola disciple many expected him to be, preferring a more patient build-up, focusing on playing out from the back, no matter the opposition or circumstances.

Now, things have changed. Arsenal have transitioned into a side who aren’t afraid to hit on the counter, scoring nine fast-break goals in 2024-25, as well as having 28 fast-break shots, the most since the Spaniard took over.

We really can’t understate how rapid Sesko is. Clocking a top speed of 35.69km/h, he would be Arsenal’s second quickest player, just behind Gabriel Martinelli. Make no mistake, this would be an Arteta buy, and a sign of the times as he changes tactics to try and win a trophy.

Benjamin Sesko can kick a ball really hard

The Slovenian’s goal tally took a bit of a hit as Leipzig endured their worst season since promotion to the Bundesliga, finishing in 7th. So, it’s not entirely his fault that he doesn’t have the same type of number as Gyokeres, although that would have been unlikely regardless.

He’s a threat from pretty much anywhere. More than willing to strike as soon as he can, Sesko scored four of his 13 Bundesliga goals from outside the box last season, the best of which came against Werder Bremen in January, striking the ball so hard it travelled at 126.43 km/h.

That ability to score from very little xG is the type of thing Premier League managers crave. Low blocks don’t matter when you can score from 35 yards out.

Verdict

For what Arteta wants from a striker, Sesko would be a better option than Gyokeres, but that doesn’t mean he’s a better player than the Swede. Gyokeres seems destined for the Premier League no matter what happens. Arteta will be hoping he’s proven right by his decision.

Get Football | Alex Roberts