When Robin van Persie left Arsenal behind in 2012, he did so in controversial circumstances.
The biggest rival to Arsene Wenger during his time in English football was the great Sir Alex Ferguson, yet the striker had been lured away by the legendary Scot, in turn ruining his relationship with millions of Arsenal fans.
His reasons for leaving the Emirates Stadium were fair enough. The Gunners were not winning trophies and at United, he had a far greater chance of winning silverware.
So, after netting 132 goals in an Arsenal shirt, he quickly became a revelation at Old Trafford, helping Sir Alex win yet another Premier League title.
Since the Dutchman’s departure, Arsenal have only ever had one truly prolific centre forward in the shape of Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang.
That, however, could be set to change this summer.
The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for a new striker
Alexander Isak remains the dream target for Mikel Arteta and Co this summer but a move looks nigh on impossible now due to two reasons.
Firstly, Newcastle United would demand in excess of £150m according to reports and secondly, the Toon have secured Champions League football for next season.
So, Andrea Berta needs to source an alternative and he has two in his crosshairs.
The first option is believed to be Sporting sensation Viktor Gyokeres, with Arsenal even said to have sealed a verbal agreement with the player ahead of a possible move this summer.
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The second option is RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. The Gunners wanted to sign the Slovenian last summer but a deal collapsed when the forward agreed to stay in Germany.
A year on and a move could finally come to fruition with Fabrizio Romano revealing last week that initial talks had started between Leipzig and Arsenal.
Sky Sports Germany shared further details on those talks over the weekend noting that Berta ‘held a secret meeting’ in London with his RB Leipzig counterpart Marcel Schafer to discuss the conditions of a deal.
Payment terms and structure were said to be the focus of the meeting with a release clause of around £70m revealed.
Goals
13
39
Expected Goals (xG)
9.89
30.95
Big chances missed
10
23
Assists
5
10
Successful dribbles *
1.2
1.8
Ground duels won *
2.0
4.4
Aerial duels won *
2.1
1.1
Sky further reported that Sesko is personally keen on moving to a club that can compete for their domestic league title and the Champions League.
Why Sesko could be Arsenal’s new Van Persie
One thing Van Persie was known for was his ability to strike a football.
Possessing a slightly languid play style, the Netherlands star wasn’t exactly blessed with lots of pace but he made up for that with his all-around game and technical ability.
His technique was second to none and although Sesko does actually possess pace and the ability to get in behind, there is a likeness.
Described as “the new Erling Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Sesko has a similarly languid play style and swagger to his game.
First and foremost, he’s got a cannon of a shot, much in the same way Van Persie had.
Remember that ridiculous volley against Charlton or his volley against Everton after being played in over the top by Alexander Song? Whenever the ball was on his favoured left foot, he could beat the goalkeeper from anywhere.
Right-footed, Sesko possesses a similar trait, with the goal below showcasing exactly what he can do when given time and space to lash home an effort.
As it happens, he’s pretty good on his left peg too and he’s already got the Van Persie gene of scoring a ridiculous volley.
The goal below, scored while playing for Slovenia, demonstrates exactly what we mean in this regard.
Combine that brute force when it comes to finishing a chance with his clever movement inside the area and there’s another similarity to sink your teeth into.
He’s a penalty box poacher, just as Van Persie was, and that’s what Arsenal have been missing over the last few years.
Kai Havertz has caught the eye as a centre forward but he’s more of box-crashing midfielder, thus meaning he’s not always in the right area to receive a dangerous cross from Bukayo Saka.
Sesko, on the other hand, certainly would be in the right place, with ten of his 13 Bundesliga goals this term coming from inside the area. Seven of his goals came in and around the penalty spot too, showcasing his ability to pop up where it really matters.
Furthermore, according to Understat, he only missed 11 shots from inside the box, seeing a further 12 attempts at goal saved. Contrast that with Havertz and we do see a difference in their poacher ability.
The German missed 18 shots inside the box and saw 11 shots denied by the goalkeeper. On this evidence, it won’t come as a surprise to learn that Sesko overperformed on his xG by 2.16 and Havertz underperformed by 2.83 throughout their individual league campaigns.
What this goes to show is that Sesko, like Van Persie was in his prime, is more clinical. That’s what Arsenal need this summer and they must find a way to snap up the Slovenian sensation.
Expected Goals (xG) is a metric designed to measure the probability of a shot resulting in a goal.
Ultimately, there are some key differences. Van Persie was more of an artist, someone who relied on technical ability. Sesko does share some similar traits but as the aforementioned Haaland comparison indicates, he’s a bulldozer.
Regardless of his play style, he scores goals and that’s what Arteta needs more than anything else in the summer market.
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1 ByMatt DawsonJun 1, 2025
