It is not difficult to see why Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United were so keen to sign Benjamin Sesko this summer.
Quick, strong and tall, the 21-year-old striker has drawn comparisons to a young Erling Haaland after scoring 14 goals in his debut season in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig.
Sesko has now taken a leaf out of Haaland’s book by electing to stay in Germany for at least another year, instead of rushing to make a big move to a big European club.
His decision to sign a new contract with Leipzig means Arsenal must now look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements this summer. But the Gunners will not panic.
At 6ft 4ins, Sesko was an attractive option because he offered Arsenal a different profile of forward.
But he is one of several players of a similar mould they have been scouting, including Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee and Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez.
Like Sesko, Zirkzee and Gimenez would offer Arsenal a different option in attack, while they also suit their model of being young and with potential to improve.
Despite scoring a club-record 91 Premier League goals last season, Arsenal want to add to their attack this summer.
But they are not set on bringing in an out-and-out striker. Kai Havertz’s form as No9 has eased the need for Arsenal to sign a striker, while Gabriel Jesus also remains an option there.
It is why the Gunners could move to sign a new winger instead. Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams is of interest, though his wages may prove a stumbling block.
Mikel Arteta has spoken of the need for Arsenal to create “magic moments” in attack and Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise is one player on the market who could provide them.
Arsenal have huge confidence in their attack and the key this summer is to add depth to it.
The team excelled last season when everyone was fully fit and cracks only appeared during busy periods of the campaign, such as around the turn of the year and early April.
Arsenal will look to bolster their transfer budget by selling players, with the likes of Aaron Ramsdale, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson among those who could depart.
