As Arsenal look to bolster their attacking options following the 2024-25 season, the spotlight has fallen on two prolific strikers: Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško. With Kai Havertz’s role as a versatile forward already established, the Gunners are seeking a clinical number nine to elevate their Premier League and Champions League ambitions.
This article dives into the attacking statistics of Havertz, Gyökeres, and Šeško during their domestic leagues for the 2024-25 season, analysing their performances and determining which of Gyökeres or Šeško would better suit Arsenal’s needs.
Kai Havertz
Havertz’s season was cut short by a hamstring injury in February, which limited his ability to build on his early-season form. His 16.98% shot conversion rate and 1.01 shots on target per 90 show how he lacks a clinical edge. While Havertz’s versatility in linking play and dropping into midfield remains valuable, his stats suggest Arsenal need a more prolific frontman to lead the line.
Gyokeres vs Sesko
Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Šeško emerged as two of Europe’s most exciting strikers in 2024-25, with their performances fuelling speculation about potential moves to Arsenal. Below, we compare their attacking statistics to assess their fit for the Gunners.
Metric | Kai Havertz | Viktor Gyökeres | Benjamin Šeško |
|---|---|---|---|
Non-Penalty Goals/90 | 0.43 | 0.87 | 0.42 |
Assists/90 | 0.14 | 0.22 | 0.19 |
Shots on Target/90 | 1.01 | 2.12 | 1.10 |
Shot Conversion Rate (%) | 16.98 | 23.48 | 17.19 |
Goal Contributions/90 | 0.57 | 1.09 | 0.61 |
Benjamin Sesko
At just 22, Benjamin Šeško delivered a strong season for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, playing 2,380 minutes across 33 matches. He scored 13 goals (11 non-penalty) and provided 5 assists.
Šeško’s 0.42 non-penalty goals per 90 and 17.19% conversion rate indicate solid efficiency, though his output lags behind Gyökeres. His 1.10 shots on target per 90 and 0.19 assists per 90 suggest a balanced contribution, and his 3 Champions League goals in 420 minutes show he can deliver in Europe. Šeško’s pace, aerial ability, and finishing make him a classic number nine, but his stats reflect a player still developing into a consistent goal-scoring threat.
Šeško.
— EBL (@EBL2017) June 16, 2025
Ballon d'Or potential if he has the mentality for it.pic.twitter.com/GTEjubegzt
Viktor Gyokeres
Gyökeres enjoyed a sensational season with Sporting CP in the Primeira Liga, playing 2,804 minutes across 33 matches. He scored an astonishing 39 goals (27 non-penalty) and added 7 assists, showcasing his all-around attacking prowess.
Gyökeres’ 0.87 non-penalty goals per 90 and 23.48% conversion rate highlight his clinical finishing, while his 2.12 shots on target per 90 reflect an aggressive, high-volume approach. His 7 Champions League goals in 672 minutes, including a hat-trick against Manchester City demonstrate his ability to perform on big stages. Gyökeres’ blend of goal-scoring, playmaking (0.22 assists per 90), and relentless pressing aligns seamlessly with Mikel Arteta’s high-intensity system.
Viktor Gyokeres: Hat-trick hero ⚽️⚽️⚽️
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 5, 2024
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/a18KosuzgB
Which Striker Suits Arsenal Better?
Gyökeres’ 2024-25 stats paint the picture of a complete striker ready to make an immediate impact. His 0.87 non-penalty goals per 90 and 1.09 goal contributions per 90 far outstrip Havertz and Šeško, signaling his potential to solve Arsenal’s goal-scoring woes. His experience in England with Coventry City (21 goals in 46 Championship matches in 2022-23) suggests he can adapt quickly to the Premier League’s physicality. His Champions League performances, including a hat-trick against Manchester City, prove he can handle top-tier defences.
Šeško, at 22, represents a high-potential investment for Arsenal’s future. His 0.42 non-penalty goals per 90 and 0.61 goal contributions per 90 are respectable in the competitive Bundesliga, and his 17.19% conversion rate edges out Havertz. Šeško’s physical attributes—pace, height, and aerial prowess—make him a classic target man, ideal for breaking down low-block defences.
Viktor Gyökeres’ exceptional 2024-25 season, with 39 goals and 7 assists, makes him the ideal candidate to transform Arsenal’s attack. His 0.87 non-penalty goals per 90, 23.48% conversion rate, and 1.09 goal contributions per 90 dwarf Šeško’s output, offering the immediate impact Arsenal crave. While Šeško’s youth and €70m price tag make him an attractive long-term prospect, his 0.42 goals per 90 and 0.61 goal contributions suggest he’s a step behind Gyökeres in readiness.
