Benjamin Sesko: The stats showing why he could be Arsenal's answer at No. 9 amid Gunners' plans to strengthen in summer transfer window
Updated 10/06/2025 at 12:31 GMT+1
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The summer transfer season is here, with centre-forwards perhaps in greater demand than ever. The clinical displays of the likes of Alexander Isak, Erling Haaland and Chris Wood have shown the value of a true striker, and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko - also of that ilk - has seen his name linked with a Premier League move. What do the stats say about his potential?
'One of the hottest properties in Europe' - Leipzig's Sesko thumps in 'red-hot' opener
Video credit: TNT Sports
Long touted as the next striking superstar, could Benjamin Sesko seal a move to the Premier League this summer?
The Slovenian 22-year-old has seen his stock rise via stints with Red Bull Salzburg and - in the last two seasons - RB Leipzig, knocking in 39 goals in 87 games in all competitions for the German side.
He has also bagged 16 goals in 41 outings for his national team, and so the question now is whether Sesko decides to jump to pastures new, and - if so - whether the Premier League will be his destination.
With five of the top 10 scorers in the 2024/25 Premier League season being true centre-forwards, the importance of the role has come back into focus after a period of strikerless systems and false nines, with the likes of Newcastle's Alexander Isak and Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta helping to fire their teams to successful campaigns.
Arsenal are among the clubs to have been linked with Sesko, as they consider strengthening in forward areas this summer.
We look at how Sesko compares to some of the Premier League's leading lights - as well as the Gunners' forwards - in a bid to evaluate his potential.
Clinical or unsustainable?
It's the age-old dilemma around the interpretation of expected goals data.
If a forward outperforms their xG, does that mean they are ruthlessly clinical? Or does it suggest their goalscoring form is unsustainable based on their underlying numbers?
Either way, Sesko is a man that has delivered well above his xG over the past two Bundesliga seasons.
| League goals | xG | Diff. | |
| 2023/24 | 14 | 7.7 | +6.3 |
| 2024/25 | 13 | 9.9 | +3.1 |
Source: Opta
How does Sesko rate v Salah, Haaland?
If we've established that Sesko is pretty efficient in front of goal, then there is further proof in his shot conversion rate.
Up against the Premier League's top 10 scorers from this term shows he is not far off the likes of Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland.
| Player | Shot conversion rate, 24/25 - league |
| Chris Wood | 29.4% |
| Jorgen Strand Larsen | 25.9% |
| Bryan Mbeumo | 23.5% |
| Alexander Isak | 23.2% |
| Mohamed Salah | 22.3% |
| Yoane Wissa | 21.1% |
| Erling Haaland | 20.4% |
| Jean-Philippe Mateta | 20.0% |
| Benjamin Sesko | 19.1% |
| Ollie Watkins | 19.0% |
| Matheus Cunha | 13.6% |
| Cole Palmer | 11.9% |
Source: Opta
And a quick comparison of the same stat with Arsenal's forwards shows the possible impact he could bring to the Emirates.
| Player | Shot conversion rate, 24/25 - league |
| Benjamin Sesko | 19.1% |
| Kai Havertz | 17.0% |
| Gabriel Jesus | 15.0% |
| Gabriel Martinelli | 14.5% |
| Leandro Trossard | 11.1% |
| Bukayo Saka | 9.0% |
Source: Opta
It is worth also noting that in 2023/24, Sesko had a shot conversion rate in the league of 29.8%, and as such - despite the dip last term - it's clear he has the potential of being an elite sharpshooter.
What type of goals does he score?
Evaluating a forward is also about what type of goals they score.
Predators, counter-attackers, box-crashers... there are many ways to put the ball in the back of the net, and Sesko seems to have a refreshing mix to his game, which suggests he could thrive against the varied defences of the Premier League.
First, there's this finish from a yard out that falls into the predatory category:
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Sesko slides in to give winless Leipzig surprise lead over Sporting
Video credit: TNT Sports
Then what about this - a very different goal, showcasing his ability to get in behind, and finish unerringly when one on one with the goalkeeper.
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'One of the hottest properties in Europe' - Leipzig's Sesko thumps in 'red-hot' opener
Video credit: TNT Sports
Finally, the Slovenian dribbles the length of the pitch - outpacing defenders as he does so - before laying it off, and seizing on a loose ball to head home and celebrate fervently.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/09/19/4042058-81978808-2560-1440.jpg)
‘Opened them up completely!’ – Sesko header gives RB Leipzig early opener at Atleti
Video credit: TNT Sports
It's a sight that the Premier League could soon be getting used to.
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