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Arsenal should avoid move for Benjamin Sesko amid increased release clause

Arsenal should avoid a move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko amid his increased release clause.

The Gunners are aiming to sign a marquee centre-forward ahead of next season and Sesko has been identified as one of their primary transfer targets.

A recent report claimed that the club are ‘stepping up’ their striker plans with Sesko on their radar. It was added that he could be available for a release clause worth €50 million.

However, the situation has now completely changed.

Journalist Philipp Hinze reports that the 20-year-old’s clause has increased to €65m amid his playing time and goal contributions in the second half of the season.

The final valuation could increase up to €75m depending on Sesko’s last two games of the campaign.

In our opinion, the Gunners should avoid an approach due to the huge outlay required.

Arsenal need a readymade goalscorer next season

The Gunners started the campaign with Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus as their main strikers, but neither were able to consistently deliver goals in the Premier League.

Leandro Trossard was tried in the number nine role for some time before Kai Havertz managed to establish himself as the mainstay in the position for the club.

The German has been in fantastic form with eight goals and five assists since mid-February, but the big question is whether he can replicate the same showing next term.

Manager Mikel Arteta cannot afford to entirely depend on Havertz and he needs another readymade goalscorer, who can make the difference in crunch situations.

At €75m, we don’t believe Sesko would be the answer. He has been in rich scoring form like Havertz with five goals in his last five games and has 16 goals for the season.

The Slovenian has similar attributes as Havertz with his tendency to drop into deeper attacking positions, but he is not necessarily good on the ball compared to the Gunners ace.

His main strength is obviously his ‘plank posture’ which allows him to generate power and accuracy with his shots, but Arsenal’s game also depends on link-up play in the final third.

In our view, the club could be better off pursuing a deal for Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, who has registered a stunning 41 goals and 15 assists in the current campaign.

The Swede could cost more with a release clause of €100m, but he would prove a better acquisition as he is vastly experienced and has the knack for scoring regular goals.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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