Mikel Arteta close to unleashing Arsenal's dream attack for years to come after new 'agreement'
Mikel Arteta could build one of the strongest frontlines in the Premier League if Arsenal can get their hands on Benjamin Sesko. The 21-year-old striker was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer before deciding to sign a new contract at RB Leipzig.
football.london understands that the Gunners wanted to sign Sesko, but talks never reached an advanced stage. The Slovenia international wanted to resolve his future before Euro 2024 and Arsenal couldn't commit, with Eddie Nketiah still at the club..
Despite missing out, football.london understands that the north Londoners have been keeping tabs on Sesko and they remain interested in securing his signature. It's said that he could leave the Red Bull Arena at the end of the season, with a 'gentleman’s agreement' in place.
READ MORE: Nwaneri returns, new signing reality and Sterling dropped – Dream Arsenal line-up vs Aston Villa
READ MORE: Benjamin Sesko to Arsenal January transfer truth now clear as Mikel Arteta receives loan update
If Arsenal were to wrap up a deal, the Slovenian would be the first striker that Arteta has signed since the summer of 2022. So, with that being said, football.london has looked at how the Gunners could line up with Sesko at their disposal.
Arteta forced to make tough call
Arteta has two good options to choose from on the left wing in Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, yet the Spaniard may still be tempted to delve into the transfer market. The duo have been satisfactory, but the Arsenal boss will want a maverick to join forces with Sesko and Bukayo Saka.
To build the ultimate frontline, everyone needs to share the workload. Neymar, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi. Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale. No passengers. If Arteta can get Martinelli to build upon his 2022/23 form then the Gunners will save millions in transfer fees for years to come.
'Next Haaland' to fire Arsenal to glory
During his time at RB Salzburg, Sesko earned comparisons to Erling Haaland after enjoying just as much success in the Austrian top flight. As quoted by the Bundesliga website, the Arsenal target said: "Such comparisons motivate me and give me energy.
"They do not represent pressure. I will listen and learn so I can be even better than he is. My teammates at the club tell me that Haaland and I are very similar, especially in terms of speed. Most of them even tell me that I’m better than him."
Sesko, who sees his deal expire in June 2029, has featured 17 times in the Bundesliga this season, scoring eight goals and providing two assists. Playing a key role in Marco Rose's side, he's fired RB Leipzig to fourth in the table.
The Slovenian's record in Germany isn't quite as impressive as Haaland's, but he remains a force to be reckoned with.
Saka to pick up from where he left off
If Saka can pick up from where he left off then Arsenal could field one of the strongest attacks in the Premier League – and possible Europe. The 23-year-old winger suffered a hamstring injury during the Gunners' 5-1 win over Crystal Palace last month.
Shortly after the clash at Selhurst Park, Saka underwent surgery. Arteta later confirmed that the procedure 'went well', but suggested that Arsenal could be without the England international for 'more than two months'.
While the Gunners have remained unbeaten in the Premier League in Saka's absence, they've struggled to impress in the domestic cup competitions. So, by partnering the Hale End graduate with a new and exciting striker, Arsenal could finally get their hands on some silverware again.
Arsenal's dream attack: Gabriel Martinelli (LW), Benjamin Sesko (ST) and Bukayo Saka (RW).