Best ST since Auba: Arsenal agree personal terms for £67m “monster”

Arsenal secured the Premier League runner-up spot for the third consecutive season, highlighting the significant progress made under Mikel Arteta`s management over the past few years.

While injuries, controversial refereeing decisions, and misfortune impacted the Gunners` goal tally this season, the persistent absence of a top-tier central striker has been a key factor hindering Arteta`s pursuit of major trophies.

Understandably, Arsenal are frustrated by their failure to sign a new number nine in recent transfer windows, despite the team`s overall balance, dynamism, and youthful energy.

However, failing to acquire a new centre-forward in the upcoming transfer window would be a significant misstep. Fortunately, Arteta, Sporting director Andrea Berta, and the team are actively working on this.

Why Arsenal Need a Striker

The fact that Mikel Merino had to fill in as a makeshift striker in 12 matches this season clearly illustrates the injury problems and the urgent need for more attacking options at the Emirates Stadium.

Despite this, Merino`s return of six goals and three assists in those games highlights his quality and Arteta`s strategic adaptability.

With Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz missing significant portions of 2025 due to injuries, Arsenal are now prepared to recruit a new goalscorer.

Sporting Lisbon`s Viktor Gyokeres has been a primary target. According to The Athletic`s David Ornstein two months ago, Arsenal had developed strong interest in the Swedish international, with Sporting director Berta reportedly advocating for his signing.

However, Arteta appears to favour a different strategic direction for Arsenal`s future attacking line. There`s another prominent name on their shortlist.

Arsenal Reach Agreement for New Striker

Sources close to Arsenal indicate that an agreement on personal terms has been reached with RB Leipzig`s Benjamin Sesko. This news is likely encouraging for Arsenal, especially given that previous reports of an exorbitant £93m price tag now seem inaccurate.

Discussions are progressing between Arsenal and the Bundesliga club. Leipzig is seeking a prompt resolution, partly due to a gentleman`s agreement made with Sesko last summer, when Arsenal first showed interest, promising he could depart in a year.

With an €80m (£67m) release clause, as reported by Sky Germany, Arsenal will need to finalize the deal swiftly, especially as rivals Chelsea and Liverpool have also registered their interest.

What Benjamin Sesko Would Bring to Arsenal

Arsenal have been searching for a consistent goalscorer for several years. The last time a Gunners player scored over 20 goals in a single Premier League season was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

While Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang`s departure from north London in February 2022 (joining Barcelona after being stripped of the captaincy) is not fondly remembered, his scoring record for the club is undeniable.

He netted 92 goals and provided 21 assists in just 163 appearances for Arsenal, proving the £60m paid to Borussia Dortmund was a worthy investment during his four-year tenure.

Having a prolific forward like that back in the squad would significantly benefit the development of Arteta`s project, and Sesko could be the ideal candidate.

While Sesko, at 22, is still developing, his potential is clear. This season at Leipzig, he has scored 21 goals and provided six assists in 45 appearances, with 40 starts.

The 6 foot 5 striker has been compared to `the next Erling Haaland` by talent scout Jacek Kulig. His height, physical strength, and impressive pace make him a prototype for the modern elite striker.

He is still raw, with untapped potential, meaning a deal for Sesko would carry some degree of risk. However, Sesko is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young forwards globally, described as a ball-striking `monster` by analyst Ben Mattinson.