Frank Christian
The 2024/25 season for Arsenal ended with a sense of missed opportunities. They secured second place in the Premier League, trailing Liverpool, and were eliminated in the Champions League semifinals by PSG, the eventual title holders.
As they prepare for the upcoming season, the Gunners have clear needs in their squad. A critical area that requires attention is the center-forward position, where injuries and insufficient depth led to midfielder Mikel Merino filling the role for a significant portion of the second half of the season.
Currently, Arsenal is gearing up to pursue one of the top transfer targets in Europe for a forward position. The club is eyeing two standout players: Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP and Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.
Both players are undeniably talented with impressive goal-scoring records, but they bring different strengths to the table, making Arsenal’s choice crucial. It’s essential for a club not just to sign skilled players but to ensure they align with the team’s tactical approach.
Let’s dive into how each striker could potentially integrate into Arsenal’s setup and which signing might be the best fit for the team.
‘Mikel Arteta is a significant admirer of Sesko, but RB Leipzig is asking for over £60m for him’
The Daily Mirror reports that Arsenal is actively pursuing both Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko pic.twitter.com/0lELsruh5d
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 16, 2025
Is Benjamin Sesko the right fit for Arsenal?
The young Slovenian star, recently turned 22, has progressed through the Red Bull system, making his mark first at RB Salzburg and then at RB Leipzig. Last season, he netted 13 goals and provided five assists in the Bundesliga, along with four goals in eight Champions League matches during the group stage.
Although his statistics may not seem as dazzling when compared to Gyokeres, there are reasons for that. Sesko typically plays in a fluid pairing with another striker, Lois Openda, who joined the team in the summer of 2023. The duo operates with the freedom to drift wide or retreat to midfield for ball retrieval, combining to achieve totals akin to a single prolific striker (Openda scored 33 goals while Sesko totaled 27 across the last two seasons).
To ascertain whether Arsenal should buy Sesko, it’s vital to assess his playing style and the implications of the transfer.
2 – FC Bayern Munich conceded only their second goal in the first 15 minutes of this Bundesliga season – both scored by RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko (in the 2nd minute in the first match). Flashko. pic.twitter.com/IFEdqFccV8
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) May 3, 2025
While Sesko’s individual metrics may not outshine Gyokeres’, he does exhibit several valuable qualities. His ball control is commendable, showcasing a high ability to take on defenders and create scoring opportunities in dangerous positions.
Moreover, Sesko is a proficient scorer, netting 27 league goals over the last two seasons with an impressive +7.56 goal difference compared to his expected goals (19.44 xG) according to UnderStat.com. Although such figures should be viewed in context, particularly given the Bundesliga’s competitive scoring environment, they reflect his consistent capabilities.
Additionally, Sesko excels in aerial duels thanks to his towering height of 6ft 5in, which gives him a dominant presence in the air. His impressive 57% aerial win rate places him among the elite tier of European strikers, often facing tough center-backs. Coupled with his considerable speed, this makes for a compelling package.
However, Sesko’s game is not without weaknesses. His passing accuracy isn’t high, even for a forward, and he tends to struggle in creating opportunities for his teammates. In fact, he ranks in the 30th percentile for shot-creating actions, meaning he often has unproductive touches, especially with only the 12th percentile of his touches occurring inside the penalty area.
Transitioning to the Premier League would also require adjustment for Sesko. While he possesses the athletic profile suited for the league, he will need to adapt to a more compact space for ball movement. Luckily, he has shown effectiveness in drawing fouls, but adjustments will be necessary.
Is Viktor Gyokeres a better option for Arsenal?
The dynamic Gyokeres captivated Europe with an astonishing 54 goals throughout 52 matches across all competitions last season. The 27-year-old Swedish forward accounted for 39 goals in the Primeira Liga, along with eight assists, and scored six times in eight Champions League fixtures during the group stages.
Adding to his impressive record, Gyokeres has also made an impact on the international stage, netting nine goals in six Nations League matches for Sweden last season, proving the validity of his stats.
Statistically speaking, Gyokeres stands out significantly more than Sesko. His goal-scoring prowess is remarkable, and he substantially contributes to a team’s offense. He ranks in the 99th percentile among European strikers for shot-creating actions, along with touches in the attacking penalty area, progressive carry distance, and received progressive passes. Particularly, he excels in creating scoring chances through take-ons and challenging defenders in threatening positions.
Furthermore, Gyokeres is adept in set-piece situations. Out of his 54 total goals, 19 came from penalties, all converted successfully, and he also shines during free-kicks. This Arsenal squad is currently lacking a top-tier penalty taker.
In essence, the analysis of Gyokeres’ contributions to an attack is straightforward: slot him into the forward role, supply him with the ball, and goals will likely follow.
Nevertheless, potential drawbacks exist regarding his acquisition. At 27, Gyokeres is older compared to the youthful Sesko, which might suit Arsenal’s current win-now approach, but it is a notable factor to consider.
Moreover, while his penalty statistics are impressive, they do inflate his goal count. Notably, two of his three goals against Manchester City in the Champions League were from penalties, and 12 of his initial total goals—while outstanding—were heavily augmented by spot kicks.
A significant portion of the 39 league goals — nearly a third! — were obtained through penalties.
Which striker should Arsenal pursue?
Both Sesko and Gyokeres have shown they are effective strikers who could enhance Arsenal’s offensive capabilities, yet it would be imprudent for the Gunners to pursue signing both.
So, which one should they choose? The decision primarily hinges on the style of play and financial considerations.
It will largely depend on whether Arsenal aims to recruit a younger player with potentially high rewards but greater risks, or an established player who may offer immediate results but has limited longevity with the club.
Each striker carries inherent risks. Coming from leagues with differing competitive levels raises questions about how their skills will adapt at a higher level, plus both may require time to adjust. For Gyokeres, memories of Darwin Nunez’s struggle to adapt to the Premier League after a prolific spell with Benfica could cause hesitance, while performances in the Bundesliga haven’t always guaranteed success in England.
Sesko might not boast a standout statistical profile, although this could be influenced by RB Leipzig’s team dynamics and play style. Conversely, much of Gyokeres’s success stems from penalty kicks, raising doubts about his effectiveness in open play.
In conclusion, there isn’t a clear choice. Although Sesko may offer greater long-term value, there’s a compelling case for acquiring a player of Gyokeres’s caliber, especially for a club eager to secure immediate success.
However, there’s no certainty that Gyokeres will immediately make an impact upon stepping onto the Emirates Stadium pitch, and Mikel Arteta might lean towards Sesko’s physicality and adaptability.
The decision-makers at Arsenal possess the most extensive information and will likely make the most informed choice, determining which player’s attributes they believe will best align with Arteta’s strategy for the upcoming season.
