Arsenal’s Bold Pursuit of a £113m Striker
Arsenal is intent on bolstering their attacking options this summer, setting their sights on some of Europe’s finest talents.
At the beginning of the year, the Gunners seemed in dire need of a new striker. Mikel Arteta’s squad had only secured one victory in five Premier League matches, struggling to find the back of the net despite numerous attempts.
Despite the lack of a new forward, Arsenal managed to mount a formidable title challenge, scoring prolifically. However, this reliance on their existing forwards isn’t sustainable, and securing a new attacker is now a priority.
Arsenal’s Striker Search
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko has emerged as a top target. Recent reports indicate that the Slovenian striker has agreed to join the London club, with Arsenal reportedly submitting a bid for his services. Yet, he isn’t the only forward on their radar.
Considering Victor Osimhen
Arsenal is also reportedly eyeing Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. According to Tutto Mercato Web, the Gunners are “moving” to sign the Nigerian striker, competing with PSG and Al-Hilal. Osimhen’s release clause is set at £113 million, making this a potentially record-breaking acquisition for Arsenal.
Comparing the Targets
Sesko is a promising talent, having scored 18 goals last season at just 21 years old. With Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz already in the squad, Arteta can afford to nurture Sesko as a future star.
On the other hand, Osimhen, described as a “monster” by analyst Raj Chohan, is a proven goal machine. He netted 17 goals last season and was instrumental in Napoli’s title-winning campaign, scoring 31 goals across all competitions.
Osimhen vs. Sesko: A Statistical Breakdown
2023/24 League Stats (per 90 minutes):
- Goals: Osimhen 0.68, Sesko 0.82
- Assists: Osimhen 0.14, Sesko 0.12
- Progressive carries: Osimhen 1.55, Sesko 1.24
- Progressive passes: Osimhen 1.05, Sesko 1.29
- Key passes: Osimhen 1.05, Sesko 0.71
- Shot-creating actions: Osimhen 2.45, Sesko 2.06
- Successful take-ons: Osimhen 0.73, Sesko 1.00
- Carries into final third: Osimhen 1.09, Sesko 0.76
- Aerials won: Osimhen 1.68, Sesko 2.24
While Osimhen appears to be a more complete player, particularly in creating scoring opportunities, Sesko’s aerial dominance and potential make him a compelling option for the future.
Conclusion
Acquiring Osimhen would be a significant investment but would signal Arsenal’s serious intent to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title. Whether they opt for the proven prowess of Osimhen or the burgeoning talent of Sesko, Arsenal’s ambitions for the upcoming season are clear: they are ready to go all out to secure their place at the top.