Arsenal set to end seven-year tradition if £60m Benjamin Sesko transfer completed

Since Mikel Arteta took the reins at Arsenal, there's been a pattern in his transfer strategy. Initially, France was the go-to source, with Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba being prime examples, but the focus has since shifted. The Gunners have made successful forays into the Brazilian market, enjoyed a high success rate with Spanish recruits, and recently turned their attention to Italy. However, it's the Premier League that remains their preferred hunting ground.

From the likes of Aaron Ramsdale to Ben White, Arsenal have consistently opted for proven domestic talent. Premier League players offer a certain level of predictability. If they've performed well for another top-flight club, it's likelier that they'll replicate that form elsewhere.

Benjamin Sesko is a transfer target for Chelsea this summer

The models used to forecast the success of such transfers are generally reliable but predicting how a player will adapt to a new country and style of play is trickier. There's a common belief that La Liga exports tend to fare well, while Arsenal have shown a preference for Serie A defenders. France's Ligue 1 is renowned for its wealth of young talent, and South America is a veritable treasure trove of emerging stars. Arsenal have successfully tapped into these diverse markets to build their current squad.

However, there's a conspicuous absence of recruits from one top league - the Bundesliga. Arsenal haven't signed a first-team player from Germany's premier division since 2018, but that could soon change.

Benjamin Sesko is a name to keep an eye on this summer as Arsenal aim to rectify their missed opportunity from a year ago before the Euros. The 22-year-old forward's value has soared following another prolific season in Germany, demonstrating why he's been on the radar of numerous clubs.

His towering presence, potent strikes, and explosive pace are enough to pique any club's interest.

However, there are apprehensions about Sesko's potential transition to English football, similar to those surrounding Viktor Gyokeres. The physicality of the teams, limited space and dealing with a deep-set defence – a common challenge for Arsenal – are all factors to consider.

When the total package could reach a staggering £92.5million, these considerations become crucial. Given the mixed success of players transitioning from Germany to England, such caution is understandable.

One need only look at Kai Havertz's move from Bayer Leverkusen to Chelsea in 2020 as an example. Initially, the slender forward struggled, being pushed around by opponents and his own manager in search of the perfect position.

Eventually, Havertz found his footing as a striker. While Arsenal had hopes of converting him back into an attacking midfielder, he has been compelled to fill in up front – a role he now performs admirably.

Havertz has gained muscle, lost some flair, and at times serves as a functional target man. He's strong in the air but lacks the finesse he initially brought with him. Sesko, already a striker, may not need to make such drastic adjustments, but an adaptation period will be inevitable.

There's a general hesitancy when it comes to buying from Germany. It's not just an Arsenal issue; both Timo Werner and Christopher Nkunku moved from RB Leipzig to Chelsea and have failed to meet expectations for various reasons. Dominik Szoboszlai, however, has fared better at Liverpool, albeit in a deeper role.

The situation with strikers in the Bundesliga is intriguing. Arsenal only need to look back to January 2018, prior to Arteta's tenure, when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was signed for £60million.

He proved successful and had already established himself on the elite stage, unlike Sesko. Aubemayeng had netted 13, 16, 25, and then 31 Bundesliga goals in his four full seasons at Borussia Dortmund before departing with a record of 13 in 16.

He also had a Champions League record to his name and was considerably older than Sesko, being in his mid-20s. Sesko, on the other hand, is still relatively young.

There's a keenness to harness his raw potential early before it fully blossoms, but this comes with its own risks. Arsenal seem determined to do something they haven't done in seven years - purchase Sesko, a player from the Bundesliga. Generally, they have overlooked this league.

Sokratis and Bernd Leno joined a few months after Aubameyang, but Granit Xhaka preceded both (summer 2016). Prior to that, you'd have to go back to Lukas Podolski in 2012 and Per Mertesacker the year before.

Arsenal have an odd relationship with Bundesliga players, but they're hoping Sesko can rekindle the spark.