Arsenal should avoid a move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko amid his increased release clause. The Gunners are aiming to sign a marquee center-forward ahead of next season. Sesko was identified as one of their primary transfer targets and a recent report claimed that the club are ‘stepping up’ their striker plans with the Slovenian on their radar. It was added that he could be available for a release clause worth €50 million.
However, the situation is different now. Journalist Philipp Hinze reports that the 20-year-old’s clause has increased to €65 million. This comes on the back of his playing time and goal contributions in the second half of the season. And the final valuation could increase up to €75 million depending on Sesko’s last two games of the campaign.
Arsenal need a lethal striker like Sesko next season
The Gunners started the campaign with Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus as their main strikers, but neither were able to consistently deliver goals. Arteta even tried Leandro Trossard as a number 9 for some time before Kai Havertz nailed down that role.
The German has been in fantastic form with eight goals and five assists since mid-February. However, the big question is whether he can replicate the same performances next season. Arteta cannot afford to entirely depend on Havertz. He needs another readymade goalscorer, who can make the difference in crunch situations.
Is Sesko worth the money?
At €75 million, I don’t believe Sesko would be the answer for Arsenal. There’s no doubt that he is a talented player, he’s also in a rich goalscoring form with five goals in his last five games. However, the thing is that the Slovenian has similar attributes as Havertz. He has a tendency to drop into deeper attacking positions, but he is not necessarily good on the ball compared to the Gunners ace.
His main strength is obviously his ‘plank posture’ which allows him to generate power and accuracy with his shots, but Arsenal’s game also depends on link-up play in the final third.
In my view, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres would be a better acquisition, but even he has a release clause of €100 million.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
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