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Afolabi Ezekiel - June 9, 2025
As Arsenal prepares for what could be a defining summer transfer window, all roads point toward one glaring need, a true number 9.
The Gunners came agonizingly far from securing the Premier League title in the 2024–25 season, but their lack of a clinical striker proved to be one of their major issues in a campaign defined by inconsistent performances. With several options on the table, the one name that continues to generate the most intrigue and excitement is Benjamin Sesko.
At just 22, the Slovenian striker represents much more than just another prospect. He could be Arsenal’s most important signing yet, not only for his present-day attributes, but for the trajectory he offers to a team on the cusp of greatness.
Sesko’s rise through the European football ranks has been nothing short of compelling. His 13 goals and 5 assists for RB Leipzig in the 2024–25 Bundesliga season, reflect a player who is not only in form but maturing into a lethal attacking force. Unlike many young forwards whose output is inconsistent, Sesko has shown signs of being a late-season performer, a trait Arsenal sorely lacked as they fell short in the title race.
His numbers only scratch the surface. Standing at 6’5″, he combines physical dominance with pace, clever movement, and an ever-improving technical base. In many ways, he is the archetype of a modern striker, one who can drop deep, stretch defenses, and act as a target man or play on the break.
What makes this even more impressive is that he achieved all this in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues, at a club known for its demanding, high-pressing style. Sesko not only survived but thrived at Leipzig, earning plaudits for his tactical discipline and adaptability, traits that will serve him well under Mikel Arteta.
For Arteta and Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta, the choice of striker this summer will send a powerful message about the club’s direction. Do they opt for a short-term fix in a 27-year-old like Viktor Gyökeres? Or do they invest in a long-term asset who can grow with the team?
Sesko falls firmly into the latter category. As one head coach familiar with Red Bull football stated, “With younger players, you can mould their attitude, create the values you want and help them take the next step.”
At Arsenal, that step could be monumental. Sesko wouldn’t be walking into a rebuilding project, he’d be joining a team that is already operating at an elite level. But crucially, his presence could elevate the side even further.
Unlike aging strikers who may need immediate tactical adjustments, Sesko could be groomed to fit Arsenal’s evolving philosophy, becoming not just a goal scorer, but a central figure in their footballing identity.
One of the most overlooked aspects of signing a striker is how their presence influences the rest of the squad. In Sesko’s case, the compatibility is compelling. His profile complements Arsenal’s need for verticality, physical presence, and off-ball movement, all while opening up tactical options for other key players.
Kai Havertz, for instance, was used primarily as a central striker in 2024–25. While the German delivered in patches, his best football came when he played deeper, as a No. 10 or second striker. A forward like Sesko would allow Havertz to drop into that role more permanently, offering Arsenal a fluid 4-2-3-1 system that maximizes their creative options while maintaining a focal point in attack.
Sesko’s movement would also benefit the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who thrive on quick combinations and space to run into. With Sesko pulling defenders and holding the line, Arsenal’s wingers would gain more freedom, unlocking even more attacking threats.
Beyond goals and tactics, Sesko’s profile fits the culture that Arteta has worked hard to instill discipline, humility, hunger, and growth. At Leipzig, a club renowned for developing disciplined young players, Sesko has been immersed in a footballing environment that aligns with Arsenal’s values.
He’s not the finished article, and that’s exactly why he’s so appealing. In the right hands, with the right mentorship and environment, Sesko can be molded into a striker who not only scores goals but embodies Arsenal’s brand of intelligent, fearless football.
Arsenal have already been down this road with players who were expected to perform immediately, only to struggle under the weight of expectations and adaptation challenges.
If Arsenal truly want to build something lasting, the decision must extend beyond this season’s finish line. Investing in Benjamin Sesko is not just a footballing decision, it’s a statement about vision.
RB Leipzig’s failure to qualify for the Champions League has made them more open to selling Sesko early in the summer to restructure their squad and address financial gaps. This gives Arsenal the advantage to act decisively and avoid a drawn-out bidding war.
From a financial perspective, Sesko is also a sensible move. His value is likely to appreciate as he develops and adapts to the Premier League. Even if he doesn’t hit the ground running, his age and talent make him a highly tradable asset in the future, unlike older players whose value depreciates rapidly.
Arsenal are no longer outsiders knocking on the door of the elite, they are contenders. But to solidify that status, they need a striker who can grow with the club, adapt to the system, and elevate those around him. Benjamin Sesko checks every box in this regard.
Andrea Berta’s first major signing will likely set the tone for his tenure, and for Arteta, it could be the missing piece in his tactical puzzle. With a title-winning squad already in place, Sesko might just be the player to turn near-misses into silverware.
This is not merely a signing. It’s an opportunity to shape the next era of Arsenal and Benjamin Sesko could very well be its defining face.
