Barcelona eye Arsenal target as Haaland alternative

Cameron Smith

20 Sept 2024 16:00 BST
3 min read

Erling Braut Haaland, Barcelona, Manchester City — © IMAGO/FootballTransfers

Barcelona are reportedly eyeing a move for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko as an alternative to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

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The Slovenia international was heavily linked with both Arsenal and Chelsea during the summer transfer window, but he opted to sign a contract extension at Leipzig instead.

Sesko remains of interest to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, as they search for a long-term number nine, but Barcelona have now entered the race to sign him.

That is according to HITC, who report that Hansi Flick’s side have identified Sesko as their dream alternative to Haaland.

The Man City goal machine remains Barcelona’s first-choice option to replace the ageing Robert Lewandowski, however they are also looking at alternate targets.

Marc Guiu joined Chelsea in July and Vitor Roque was sent on loan to Real Betis with an option to buy in August, meaning Lewandowski and youngster Pau Victor are the only recognised strikers in Barcelona’s squad.

As a result, the Spanish giants are hoping to sign a new number nine in 2025 and Sesko has emerged as a key target.

The 21-year-old has nine goals and two assists in his last 12 Leipzig games, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has risen by nearly €30 million since the start of 2024.

Marcel Schafer on Benjamin Sesko

Marcel Schafer, RB Leipzig’s Managing Director for Sport, believes Sesko is destined to reach the top of world football.

When asked what makes the Slovenia forward so special, Schafer recently told FootballTransfers: “In my opinion, he’s a complete striker. He’s tall, he’s quick, he’s good in the air, and he’s good at shooting with his left and right foot.”

However, the RB Leipzig chief believes Sesko can still improve as a player.

“We need to work a little bit on his first touch because if you want to be at the top, top, top, top and achieve the next level in every competition, the first touch, in my opinion, is really important,” he admitted.

Current ETV

Benjamin Sesko

F (C)

RB Leipzig

Benjamin Sesko

F (C)

RB Leipzig

ETV Range

€37M - €61.7M

“If you have a good first touch that gives you space and that gives you time. And if you achieve one more level, that's something that you don't have. You don't have space and you don't have time.

“So that's something where there is definitely space for potential, even though for me, he has everything that a top, top, top striker in the world needs.”