Yahoo Sports 7 goals: Major Arsenal target shines with perfect month in Bundesliga
Benjamin Sesko, the 21-year-old Slovenian striker at RB Leipzig, has emerged as one of the most talked-about prospects in European football after a blistering September performance in the Bundesliga.
Sesko, who was heavily linked with Mikel Arteta‘s Arsenal last summer, enjoyed a “perfect” month, further solidifying his status as a potential future superstar.
Arsenal’s pursuit and Leipzig’s stance
Arsenal were reportedly prepared to meet Sesko’s release clause during the summer, with €65 million (£56 million) ready to be put on the table for the talented forward.
Despite the Gunners’ strong interest, the move never materialised, and Sesko opted to remain at RB Leipzig, where he had arrived from RB Salzburg for €24 million in 2023.
Instead of making the leap to the Premier League, Sesko extended his contract with Leipzig until June 2029.
Leipzig recognises the star they have on their hands and have reportedly agreed not to stand in the way of a potential transfer in 2025 or 2026 when Sesko feels ready to take that step.
The striker’s latest contract doesn’t contain a formal release clause but reportedly involves a verbal agreement, with a transfer fee expected to be in the region of up to €75 million (£63.4 million).
Comparisons to Haaland but a player in his own right
While Sesko has drawn comparisons to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland due to his towering 1.95m height and physical prowess, his style is distinct.
He combines his size with agility, explosive movements, and an impressive technical ability, traits that make him stand out as a rare talent.
His combination of power, speed, and skill makes him a lethal centre-forward who is capable of scoring from any range, giving him the potential to dominate European football.
Sesko’s breakthrough season and Arsenal’s continued interest
Sesko’s 2023-24 season at Leipzig showed his immense potential, scoring 14 goals in the Bundesliga, two in the Champions League, and two more in the DFB-Pokal, totalling 17 goals across 41 matches.
He ended the season with goals in seven consecutive Bundesliga games, demonstrating his ability to be a consistent goal threat.
Although he didn’t manage to score for Slovenia at Euro 2024, he remained the focal point of their attack.
This consistent run and standout performances caught Arsenal’s attention, and the groundwork for a potential transfer was reportedly laid during the summer.
Despite Arsenal not signing a centre-forward at that time, the club could be tempted to revisit their interest, especially if Sesko continues his current trajectory.
The ‘perfect’ September
Sesko has begun the 2024-25 season in sensational form, netting seven goals and providing one assist in six September appearances for club and country.
This brings his tally to eight goals and three assists since the start of the season.
Among his standout performances was a hat-trick for Slovenia against Kazakhstan in the Nations League, including one stunning solo effort reminiscent of Maradona’s dribbling brilliance.
Additionally, he scored a rapid brace against Augsburg in just 14 minutes, leading Leipzig to a commanding 4-0 victory as he also grabbed an assist.
These performances have solidified his reputation as a ‘total killer’ in front of goal. He’s fast, agile, and capable in the air, demonstrating the kind of attributes that Arsenal are looking for.
Sesko’s biggest question remains his consistency, but his September form, on the back of how he finished 23/24, indicates he’s taking another major step forward in his development.
What lies ahead for Arsenal and Sesko
As Arsenal continue their pursuit of a reliable and dominant centre-forward, Sesko’s progress at Leipzig makes him an increasingly appealing option.
Given the groundwork laid in previous transfer windows and Leipzig’s willingness to listen to offers in the coming years, Arsenal’s pursuit of Sesko could intensify next summer.
