Explosive pace, aerial prowess and lethal finishing: Is Benjamin Sesko the perfect fit for Arsenal?

Explosive pace in behind, aerial threat and lethal ball striking. It's fair to say that Benjamin Sesko would bring qualities to Arsenal which are not closely associated with the club's current attacking options. 

Reports suggest that the Gunners could make a move to sign the 21-year-old from RB Leipzig this winter, however may be forced to pay a premium if they wish to push a deal over the line midseason. 

With the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri unavailable, not only are Arsenal short in numbers, but at times lack the spark for a player to create a goal themselves or score out of nothing. 

There is no doubt that Sesko would improve Arsenal and holds the blueprint to become a top striker in the modern game, not too dissimilar to that of Erling Haaland at Manchester City. 

  • Threat in behind 

At 6-foot-5-inches, he would provide a presence at the top end of the pitch, with the athleticism to match. Despite being a similar stature to Kai Havertz, Sesko is a completely different profile and plays on the last man to utilise his electrifying pace and powerful running power. 

This would add a fresh dynamic to what has been a predictable Arsenal attack in recent games, with Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Havertz mostly wanting the ball to feet and rarely attempting to take on their marker. 

It feels predictable is the right word to describe Arsenal at times this season, especially in front of goal. Earlier in the campaign, there was a sense of inevitability when Saka stepped out on the pitch, as he was often the man to step up and find that moment of magic. 

However, in his absence and of Jesus as well - who regardless of form always provided an element of chaos - that Mikel Arteta's side are becoming easier to shut out. 

Sesko could provide the missing flair that sparks the others into form, through opening up spaces for teammates and posing a much needed transitional threat. 

  • Ball striking 

Sesko's recent performance against Werder Bremen showcased his elite ball striking ability, as he rifled one in from around 25-yards to put Leipzig 3-1 up. 

There was two aspects of this goal that stood out. First, when the ball broke and the space opened up in front of him, at no point did Sesko think of slowing down the attack. 

Too often this season, we have seen Arsenal not willing to take enough risk while in possession, despite the level of dominance they show throughout most 90 minutes. It's hard to understand, especially in home matches, when the ball is likely to come straight back, why not attempt a defence splitting pass or shoot from range more often when the opportunity arises? 

The thought of turning back did not cross Sesko's mind, it was instinctive to drive with the ball before pulling the trigger from range. In games where teams sit deep, which is a regular occurrence against Arsenal, having effective ball carriers who pose a transitional threat in central areas could be key to picking up more points in the second half of the season. 

The second was his technique. To generate that amount of power with such little back lift, all while keeping his effort under the crossbar was remarkable. 

Having that level of quality, either from range or in the penalty area, is an aspect which Arsenal lack, not only across their forward options but the team as a whole. 

  • Aerial prowess

Another strength to Sesko's game is his aerial prowess, having scored multiple headers this season already. It's testament to his athleticism and height that makes Sesko so formidable in the air. 

Although his added height would be useful at set-pieces and corners, Arsenal already excel in this area, therefore in open play would be where this asset comes into fruition. 

Undoubtedly, parts of the Slovenian's game are unrefined, as we saw at the European Championships last summer. This was epitomised by his one on one miss against Portugal, but the nature of being a young striker, is that moments such as this will happen. What's promising however, is the ease in which Sesko created the opportunity. 

Considering his raw skill set and age, Sesko has the potential to be moulded into a real asset in Arteta's system. With 13 goals and three assists in 25 appearances in all competitions this season, if there is a possibility that Arsenal could bring a deal for Sesko forward to this window, they need to get over the line.