Arsenal appear to have settled on their main attacking target as links to RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko are growing stronger.
The Gunners were linked with several centre-forwards including a Premier League-proven option in Alexander Isak, and an outstanding goalscorer in Sporting Club De Portugal striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Sesko has also been touted as an option in recent months, and Arsenal may have decided that the 21-year-old would be the perfect signing for Mikel Arteta’s needs at this moment in time.
The Spaniard could set his squad up well for the future, as Pep Guardiola’s potential departure from Manchester City next year could see Arsenal become title favourites if their squad is ready to go, and this season could be the best opportunity to bed in some new signings under less pressure to deliver immediately.
Sesko would arrive as a more raw option than Isak or Gyokeres, but a less pricey one, and one who could surpass either forward, and there is another key reason why the Slovenian could be the perfect choice for Arteta.
Benjamin Sesko is keen on Arsenal move
A report from The Mirror has claimed that Sesko has agreed to join Arsenal, in what could be a significant development.
Given the interest in Sesko from rivals including Chelsea and Manchester United, he may have been tempted to move to a club where he would be the guaranteed starter as a central striker.
Kai Havertz ended the season superbly at centre-forward, and Arteta is unlikely to oust him from this role immediately. This may have proved to be a stumbling block in a deal for Sesko, but given his willingness to join regardless, this could mean Arteta is set to use him in a surprise role.
Benjamin Sesko could play on the wings for Arsenal
Arsenal have been linked with both strikers and wingers for this summer, with it clear that more speed is needed in the squad.
Out-and-out wingers such as Nico Williams and Michael Olise were named as potential targets, but Arsenal may feel that if they land Sesko, they will no longer need a new winger alongside him.
Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard both lined up on the wings for Arsenal in recent months, and whilst they certainly possess quality in front of goal, and the experience to deliver in big moments, one thing they both lack is speed.
Gabriel Martinelli is the only truly speedy outlet in Arteta’s squad, and he delivered an underwhelming campaign from the left wing, leading to Trossard surpassing him in the pecking order.
Sesko can help solve this pace and goalscoring wing problem. Although a centre-forward, he will likely take some time settling in, rather than coming straight into the starting XI.
This could see the 21-year-old utilised as a winger, which would be a surprise given his height, but his speed would add an extra dimension to Arsenal’s attack.
Benjamin Sesko top speed compared to Arsenal wingers
Sesko was impressive in the Champions League this season as Leipzig reached the last-16 before being eliminated by Real Madrid, and his top speed in the competition shows why he could be a surprise wing option.
The attacker has registered a significantly higher speed than Jesus or Trossard, and could be the answer to Arsenal’s speed problem despite not being a natural winger.
Sesko reached a higher top speed than any Arsenal attacker in the Champions League this season, including Martinelli, and this could be vital for Arteta next season.
The young striker could come off the bench on either wing simply to act as an outlet who can play off Havertz, and this will add an extra counter-attacking threat to Arsenal’s side.
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Sesko would also provide more pace than Havertz as a centre-forward, and whilst this may not be of much importance in games when Arsenal will dominate possession, this could be the key to turning draws away at Manchester City, Liverpool and Bayern Munich into wins to help in the quest for major silverware.