Arsenal Switch Gears: Viktor Gyökeres Now Top Striker Target as Sesko Deal Stalls
In a bold shift of transfer direction, Arsenal have officially turned their attention to Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres, after failing to make headway in their pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
According to The Independent, Arsenal’s newly appointed sporting director, Andrea Berta, was in talks with Leipzig for weeks, but progress stalled as negotiations hit a wall over both price and personal terms.
❌ Sesko Deal Hits Dead End
Sesko — once seen as the Gunners’ top forward target — had been linked with Arsenal for over a year. Mikel Arteta attempted to lure him in January and again this summer. However, issues reportedly included:
A gap of at least €10 million in valuation
Arsenal’s discomfort with the €80m deal structure
Difficulty agreeing personal terms with the player's representatives
In the end, Leipzig’s demands and the slow pace of negotiations led Arsenal to walk away from the deal.
✅ Enter Viktor Gyökeres
With Arteta eager to land a new striker before the pre-season tour kicks off, the club has pivoted to Swedish international Viktor Gyökeres, who scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists in all competitions last season for Sporting.
The 26-year-old has proven himself in both the Portuguese league and in European competitions, making him a strong and proven alternative to Sesko. His aggressive style, physical presence, and goal instinct are seen as ideal for Arteta’s attacking setup.
💬 Opinion: Arsenal Made the Smart Call — It's About Urgency and Fit
While Benjamin Sesko is a highly-rated talent, Arsenal’s urgency and squad readiness don’t afford them the luxury of waiting around. In Gyökeres, they may have found a more immediate, dependable performer — someone who can hit the ground running.
This is also a reminder that big-money transfers aren’t just about price — they’re about timing, attitude, adaptability, and squad harmony. Arsenal need a striker who is hungry to lead the line, not caught in boardroom drama.
If completed, Gyökeres could bring the firepower Arsenal lacked in the title run-in last season — and perhaps be the final puzzle piece in Arteta’s title-chasing side.
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🗣️ Do you think Viktor Gyökeres is the right fit for Arsenal? Should they have pushed harder for Sesko or made the switch earlier? Share your take below, Gooners!