Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko was once told by teammates that he was better than Manchester City star Erling Haaland.
The 21-year-old has reportedly been identified by Mikel Arteta as an answer to the Gunners' problems in front of goal. But should Sesko land in North London, it does not appear Arteta will face any trust issues with the Red Bull Leipzig striker.
Like Haaland, Sesko is 6ft tall with an eye for goal, and like the Norwegian, he plied his trade for Red Bull Salzburg before making the jump to the Bundesliga. Yet their similarities extend beyond aesthetics, according to his former colleagues in Austria.
The Slovenian international seemed a little embarrassed when his old claim surfaced before the Champions League match between Leipzig and City late last year, and he took issue with the sensational comment. “What should I say?” Sesko said. “I said it once, but it seems like I said I was much better than him.
“This compares me to someone who is one of the best players in the world,” he added in an interview with The Telegraph. “So it is not easy to compare. I wouldn't compare myself to anyone. I would just like to be myself and be the best myself.”
Sesko and Haaland's paths did not cross in Salzburg, but the Slovenian marksman followed the 24-year-old's game closely when he was a regular in the club's youth team and eager to learn.
“I went to the matches because I played in youth [side] Then it was interesting to watch him because he's the same height and some of the movements are the same,” he said. “At this point you think, 'I want to be like him'”.
Arteta has long had an interest in Sesko and was considering a move for the striker this summer. That delay is now seen as an error of judgement, with Arsenal facing an injury crisis in attack with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus on the treatment table. Their title ambitions are currently led by failed Kai Havertz, and Arteta has admitted a goalscorer is the priority. “Right now we don't have them [a striker]”, said Arteta.
“We are, as I said, actively trying to find the best possible solution. We will have to wait and see what we can do. That is clearly not something I am going to discuss here. We have lost two major players for We stand in the front line and that's where we need some support.”
Sesko moved to Leipzig in 2023 and has since scored 32 goals in 68 games. The Gunners will now see if they can tempt the Germans into a deal.
However, it is reported that Sesko has a 'gentleman's agreement' with Leipzig. This would allow him to leave in the summer for around £60 million, a fee considerably cheaper than if Arsenal were to attempt to sign his signature this month, with the Germans said to be willing to demand more if their prized asset is in the middle would be stripped of them in the summer. season.
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