Benjamin Sesko isn’t your average footballer.
This is a guy who used to dream of slam dunks almost as much as he did goals. Standing at 6ft 5in and with a basketball background, it’s no wonder comparisons are being drawn between the rising Slovenian striker and his idol—NBA star Luka Dončić.
But while hoops might have been a past passion, it’s the Premier League’s bright lights that have Sesko’s full attention now.
And if Arsenal get their way, he could be lighting up the Emirates very soon.
Arsenal’s Search for Firepower Leads to Leipzig’s Young Gun
Let’s be real: Arsenal desperately need a reliable goal scorer.
Last season, Kai Havertz topped the league scoring charts for the Gunners with just nine goals—yep, that’s the lowest top tally for the club in over a century.
Injuries forced manager Mikel Arteta to try unconventional solutions like using deep-lying midfielders up top.
Enter Benjamin Sesko, the 22-year-old Leipzig striker who’s quickly made waves in the Bundesliga.
Arsenal have been tracking him for a while, and with a trophy drought that’s now stretched five seasons, they see Sesko as a player who could change that story.
Big Frame, Big Talent – But Still Some Growing to Do
Sesko has the raw athleticism you dream of in a modern striker—he’s fast, dominant in the air, and can shoot with either foot.
Bundesliga analysts have already likened him to Erling Haaland, especially since they both came through the Red Bull system.
But there’s a catch.
Experts say Sesko still has to refine his game, especially his link-up play.
He’s got all the tools, but in possession-heavy teams like Arsenal, he’ll need to learn how to operate in tight spaces, stretch defences, and stay involved throughout the game.
It’s a step Haaland also had to take when he joined Manchester City.
Settled, Sharp, and Ready for England?
One thing in Sesko’s favour is that he’s adaptable.
He’s already made cross-border moves—from Slovenia to Austria and now Germany—and his fluent English will make a Premier League switch much smoother.
Arsenal were eyeing him last summer, but the young striker wanted more game time than they could offer then.
That might be changing now.
Football experts believe Arsenal is exactly the kind of environment Sesko can thrive in.
The coaching staff can fine-tune his decision-making and finishing, and he’ll be surrounded by creative players who can feed him the ball.
A Focused Mindset Off the Pitch
Sesko’s dedication goes beyond training drills.
He’s known for putting his phone away before matches, choosing to read instead of scroll.
He’s a chill, candle-burning type off the pitch, but don’t mistake that calm for weakness—he’s been through real challenges.
Back at Salzburg, Sesko clashed with management, found himself benched, and had to fight his way back into the squad.
That experience taught him resilience.
He’s also not afraid to show emotion, once tearing up on the pitch after helping Slovenia qualify for Euro 2024.
His Journey Mirrors Haaland’s – But with a Twist
The comparisons to Haaland aren’t just lazy journalism.
Both came up through Salzburg and made their names in the Bundesliga.
But where Haaland sometimes struggles to share the stage with another striker, Sesko has actually thrived alongside teammate Lois Openda at Leipzig.
He finished last season with 13 goals in 33 league appearances—not quite Haaland numbers, but a solid return for a young striker still learning the ropes.
And his strength, speed, and aerial ability make him well-suited for the intensity of English football.
Not All Perfect: Areas to Work On
For all his talent, Sesko isn’t flawless.
Bundesliga watchers say he can disappear in games and is still working on becoming more consistent.
That lack of presence was partly blamed for Leipzig missing out on European football this season.
And although he has a reputation for being fiery, he’s kept his discipline mostly in check—except for one match in January where he got two yellow cards in quick succession.
Arsenal, who had six red cards last season, will definitely want to keep that temper under control.
Zlatan Vibes and a Signature Celebration
Sesko idolizes Zlatan Ibrahimović and it shows—in his confidence, athleticism, and even his leap during goal celebrations.
His signature “jump for joy” is already a hit online.
He says how high he jumps depends on how tired he is, but one thing’s clear: it’s always a show.
He’s also worn the No. 30 jersey since his Salzburg days, and guess what? That number’s currently vacant at Arsenal.
More Than Just Hype – This One Feels Different
Unlike many young players who fade after early promise, Sesko has shown steady progress.
He’s already overcome setbacks, embraced big stages, and shown that he’s coachable.
Arsenal fans have every reason to be hopeful.
But he’s not the finished product yet.
Patience, development, and good coaching will be key if he’s going to reach his full potential.
What’s Next for Sesko – and for Arsenal?
If Arsenal manage to close this deal—reportedly worth around £70 million—they could be adding one of the most exciting young strikers in Europe to their ranks.
It’s a move that could define their title challenge next season and maybe the decade to come.
So now the ball’s in Arsenal’s court.
Can they unlock Sesko’s full potential?
And more importantly…
will Benjamin Sesko be the one to finally bring the goals—and the glory—back to North London?