As the transfer window opens, Arsenal has begun their search for a centre forward, and supporters alike continually look to educate themselves on players that emerge from the links that are reported. One such player is Benjamin Sesko. The 20-year-old Slovenian striker is of interest to the Gunners, and a deal for his €65 million (£55.6 million) release clause is feasible before the European Championships.
It is understood that a decision on Sesko’s future is wanted before the Euros, with clubs from across the continent very keen on the RB Leipzig forward. However, as the interest grows and his name is thrust into the minds of more supporters, misconceptions have begun to arise.
To understand them, one needs to first recognize the situation Arsenal has with their striker options. Gabriel Jesus, their £45 million signing from 2022, was initially thought to be the future of the position, but was replaced only 18 months later by a player many thought was something of a mistake when he arrived last summer, Kai Havertz.
The versatile German has gained more notoriety and appreciation as the season has gone on, thanks to his goals and performances. Scoring and assisting in the last North London Derby to send Arsenal on their way to the title run-in with Manchester City.
However, their elimination to Bayern Munich saw Eddie Nketiah brought on in the final throes in the hope he might bag them a late goal to take the tie to extra time, but he didn’t. This happened just days prior against Aston Villa in the 0-2 home defeat to Unai Emery’s side.
Arsenal needs better from their options, and Sesko is certainly a player that can provide that. The aforementioned misconception, however, is that with Havertz standing at 6 feet 4 inches and the Slovenian forward slightly taller at 6 feet 5 inches, many have assumed the pair are too similar. Why wouldn’t Arsenal go for a player with a greater disparity than what they already have?
The answer? That is exactly what they’re doing. Just because two players are tall, it does not make them identical, and both Havertz and Sesko have differences in style.
The German is much more of the target figure when playing in the centre-forward position. He likes to link play, drop into the attacking midfield holes, and play on the shoulder of the last man to win balls and find chances to take shots at goal.
Sesko, meanwhile, has shown great potential as a technical centre-forward. His numbers regarding attempted take-ons per 90 showcase this perfectly (2.06 > 1.43), and in those take-ons, he is more successful than Havertz (48.6% > 38.1%).
Sesko’s height is certainly used to his advantage, and he has scored headers this season, like Havertz has. However, the pair’s differences stand out with increased viewership of both.
When it boils down to who Mikel Arteta would rather be bringing off the bench to help score at the end of a big game between Sesko and Nketiah, the answer is simple. Sesko’s young age of 20 also provides plenty of investment potential and the chance to battle with Havertz for the centre-forward position.
