Forget Sesko? Five Smart Striker Options Arsenal Should Consider This Summer
Forget Benjamin Sesko – Five smarter striker options for Arsenal to sign this summer
Arsenal’s hunt for a top-tier striker this summer has hit a roadblock. Reports suggest that Benjamin Šeško, once considered the club’s primary target, may be out of reach due to high wage demands. According to The Mirror, the North London side is now looking elsewhere to strengthen its forward line.
Last season, despite solid performances across all competitions, Arsenal struggled at times due to a lack of reliable attacking depth. With Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz dealing with injuries, Mikel Arteta was forced to improvise, at times relying on midfielders like Mikel Merino to fill the void up front. To avoid repeating that scenario, here are five alternative strikers Arsenal could target—each bringing value, versatility, and lower price tags than Sesko.
⚽ 1. Conrad Harder – Sporting CP
One of the more under-the-radar names is Conrad Harder, a 20-year-old forward who plays alongside Viktor Gyökeres at Sporting. While Gyökeres is valued at nearly €100 million, Harder could be a bargain at just €24 million.
The young striker has quickly adapted to Portuguese football, scoring 13 goals and assisting 10 times in 54 matches. That’s nearly one goal contribution per 90 minutes—an impressive ratio that suggests he could thrive under Arteta’s guidance.
⚽ 2. Evann Guessand – OGC Nice
Another affordable talent is Evann Guessand, currently at Nice. Valued at €25 million, the 23-year-old has flourished since returning from loan spells at Lausanne-Sport and Nantes.
In the 2023/24 season, Guessand recorded 12 goals and 9 assists, averaging 0.64 goal contributions per game. At 6’2” (1.88m), he has the physical presence to serve as a classic No. 9—something Arsenal has arguably lacked in recent seasons.
⚽ 3. Santiago Castro – Bologna
Santiago Castro might be the rising star Arsenal needs. Signed by Bologna for €12 million in January 2024, the 20-year-old has already begun to shine. With 11 goals and 9 assists in 54 matches, Castro’s influence is growing rapidly.
Often likened to Lautaro Martínez, he’s been nicknamed “Mini Lautaro” in Italy. Arsenal would be wise to act before his market value soars.
⚽ 4. Gonçalo Ramos – Paris Saint-Germain
Though his €65 million move to PSG in 2023 raised eyebrows, Gonçalo Ramos has since struggled for regular playing time. He started only a third of Ligue 1 games and barely featured in the Champions League.
With PSG potentially open to letting him leave, Arsenal could secure the 23-year-old Portuguese striker for less than his original transfer fee. Averaging 0.98 goal contributions per 90 minutes, Ramos could bring immediate impact to Arsenal’s attacking setup.
⚽ 5. Jonathan Burkardt – Mainz
Last but not least, Jonathan Burkardt offers proven Bundesliga quality without the inflated price tag. Despite a serious knee injury that sidelined him for much of 2022/23, the now fully fit 25-year-old scored 18 goals and added 3 assists in just 30 matches this season.
Matching Harry Kane’s league goal tally, Burkardt averaged 0.88 goal contributions per 90 minutes—an incredible stat for a player flying under most clubs’ radar.
Final Thoughts
While Benjamin Šeško may no longer be realistic, Arsenal has plenty of intelligent options to bolster their frontline. From affordable talents like Conrad Harder to more established names like Gonçalo Ramos, the Gunners still have time to make a smart move—one that could define their 2024/25 season.
