Arsenal hopeful of landing exciting young RB Leipzig striker
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Benjamin Sesko was struggling to justify the hype following his transfer from Red Bull Salzburg to RB Leipzig halfway through the 2023-24 season.
With only three goals in 15 Bundesliga matches, Sesko seemed far from the prolific young forward he was touted to be.
Sesko scored 16 goals and tallied four assists in 30 Austrian Bundesliga games the season prior playing for RB Salzburg. His goal scoring had attracted significant attention, but his early days at Leipzig were underwhelming.
However, the forward’s season took a dramatic turn at the end of January. Over the next 16 games, he netted 11 goals, reestablishing himself as an elite talent.
During this period, he failed to contribute with a goal or an assist in only three matches, and in the last six weeks of the season, he scored in each of the final seven games. His form was crucial for Leipzig, who only lost twice in games where Sesko found the net.
Sesko had accumulated 14 goals and two assists from just 17 starts in the Bundesliga. He also added two goals in the Champions League and another two in the German Cup.
His average for the 2023-24 campaign was an impressive goal every 109 minutes, with a goal contribution (including assists) every 95 minutes.
Sesko’s 14 Bundesliga goals would have ranked him second behind Bukayo Saka, as Arsenal’s top scorers. He scored one more goal than Kai Havertz tallied in the Premier League.
This performance surge has increased Sesko's release clause from a modest £43 million to £55 million. Despite the higher price, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and other top clubs remain interested in signing him this summer.
Arsenal need for a reliable striker, but the club might rue not making a move earlier when Sesko could have been acquired for a significantly lower transfer fee.
According to reports, Seski’s true value is now estimated at £88.1m, making the £55m release clause seem like a bargain for a player of his potential.
While Sesko's late-season form is promising, there are caveats. His goals came from outperforming his expected goals. This overperformance might not be sustainable in the Premier League, where defences are stronger than in the Bundesliga.
Nevertheless, Sesko's potential and recent form make him a compelling target. Arsenal's pursuit of him underscores the risks and rewards in the transfer market. If they secure his services, he could prove a valuable addition, provided his Bundesliga form translates to the Premier League.
With his agent spotted watching Arsenal matches, the rumors of a summer move are gaining traction, making Sesko a player to watch closely in the upcoming transfer window.
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