EXCLUSIVE: Inside Arsenal’s Quest for Sesko and Gyokeres as a Final Choice Approaches

The protracted transfer saga surrounding Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres is nearing a resolution, with Arsenal facing a crucial decision moment.

Reports indicate that Andrea Berta has pushed for Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon, while manager Mikel Arteta has an inclination towards the talented Sesko of RB Leipzig. Nevertheless, the reality is that securing Gyokeres has appeared more plausible.

Arsenal has a keen interest in both athletes, striving to apply pressure on their respective clubs to maximise the potential value of any transfer agreement. They’ve also kept both camps uncertain regarding the possibility of an incoming bid.

Sporting director Berta has been instrumental in this process, seemingly pitting the two clubs against one another.

One key reason why the 22-year-old Sesko was initially favoured last year is that data analysts rated him as the top prospect. This assessment was not exclusive to Arsenal, as he garnered attention from other elite European clubs as well. His rising trajectory marks him as a noteworthy talent.

For Gyokeres, who is five years Sesko’s senior, the allure is somewhat different. Insiders suggest that Arsenal value his remarkable finishing ability with both feet in and around the penalty area, coupled with a strong mental drive and composure, as traits that could inject a new dynamic into their attacking line, qualities that few players worldwide possess.

With the pre-season tour looming in just two weeks, Arsenal understands the urgency to secure one of their key positions before their Premier League opener against Manchester United in August.

Preferred Destinations for the Striker

When Gyokeres departed Coventry City in 2023, it was uncertain if he would consider a return to English football, with sources indicating that it wasn’t a priority for him.

His ambitions have always reached for the peak of the continental game. Following two remarkable seasons at Sporting Lisbon, it’s understood that Barcelona has long been his dream destination.

Sources have consistently stated that should he leave Lisbon, it must be for an exceptional opportunity.

Now, that exceptional opportunity seems to be Arsenal.

Unlike Gyokeres, Sesko has not actively pushed for a transfer away from Leipzig, and the German side remains firm on their €80 million release clause for the player.

The strategic moves made by Arsenal imply that by showing interest in Gyokeres, they may be providing Leipzig another opportunity to reconsider the fee for Sesko.

Gyokeres has consistently appeared to be a more accessible option – even as Sporting seems to have reneged on a prior agreement to let him go for €60 million.

Arsenal officials believe that Gyokeres will represent a more economical acquisition than Sesko, with terms of payment also likely to be more palatable.

The Final Piece

Arsenal will proceed with caution until a comprehensive agreement is reached during this pivotal phase.

In Gyokeres, they are targeting a player who has netted a remarkable 97 goals in 102 games since his move to Portugal. His performances have been extensively scouted over the last 18 months.

The statistics are hard to overlook and have solidified Arsenal’s belief that he could prove to be the missing link. With 22 goals in his last Championship season at Coventry City, Gyokeres scored 43 in his first year at Sporting, followed by an incredible 54 goals in 52 appearances last season. His output has been consistently elite and clinical.

The pressing question remains whether he can maintain his form in the Premier League, particularly against the toughest defences.

Internally, Arsenal figures are convinced that the club’s title race last season fell short due to a lack of firepower in the attack. This is the role their next elite striker will be expected to fulfil.