Arsenal’s Striker Search Narrows to Sesko & Gyokeres | OneFootball

Arsenal Prioritise Striker Signing with Gyokeres and Sesko in Focus

Arsenal’s pursuit of a new centre-forward is intensifying, with key discussions now revolving around Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig. Both players are under close evaluation by the club’s recruitment team, and either deal could be completed within a budget of £75 million or less, thanks to specific clauses in their contracts.

The Gunners are planning for a proactive summer window, with departures also expected to generate further transfer funds. As it stands, Gyokeres and Sesko have emerged as the leading names, with other targets still in preliminary stages of scouting and negotiation.

Sesko Profile Matches Arsenal’s Long-Term Strategy

Initial groundwork on a move for Benjamin Sesko has already been laid, with sources indicating that Arsenal’s interest in the Slovenian dates back several months. The 21-year-old fits neatly into the club’s broader vision of recruiting young, high-ceiling talents capable of thriving at the highest level.

Though Sesko was once available at around £58 million, incremental increases tied to performance and market demand have driven the figure closer to £75 million. Despite the rising cost, his Champions League experience and combination of pace, aerial ability and technical refinement have made him a serious option.

He aligns with Mikel Arteta’s preference for a striker who contributes beyond goals – offering strong hold-up play and fluid movement. However, there is internal recognition that he is not yet a complete product.

Gyokeres Offers Arsenal Immediate Impact

The appointment of Andrea Berta as Arsenal’s new sporting director has opened up intensified discussions around Viktor Gyokeres, with the Swede now considered a genuine contender to lead the line at the Emirates next season.

At 26, Gyokeres offers more immediate value in terms of goal return and physical readiness. Having scored prolifically in Portugal, his price tag remains slightly lower than Sesko’s – reportedly by as much as £15 million. That financial advantage, coupled with his maturity, adds to his appeal.

However, Arsenal are carefully assessing how his numbers in the Primeira Liga would translate to tougher opposition in the Premier League and European competition. That remains a key point of analysis as decisions edge closer.

Other Forwards Remain on the Radar

While Sesko and Gyokeres are frontrunners, the club are also monitoring other forward options. Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt and Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa remain under consideration, though neither have seen negotiations progress to the extent of the aforementioned duo.

There is admiration at London Colney for Alexander Isak, but any move for the Newcastle United striker is viewed as unrealistic, despite suggestions he would be open to joining Arsenal.

“Arteta would love Alexander Isak,” a source familiar with internal discussions stated, “but any deal is nevertheless seen as impossible.”

Wide Forward Addition Also Possible

Arteta is understood to be interested in recruiting an explosive winger for the left flank, but that will depend heavily on outgoings. While not the main priority, it is a position being tracked.

Nico Williams of Athletic Club is one player the club admire, while Joao Pedro of Brighton is also being watched as a versatile option who could play wide or through the middle – similar in profile to Wolves’ Matheus Cunha.

Though Manchester United are currently favourites to land Cunha for £60 million, Arsenal could revisit their stance should their striker pursuit shift.

For now, the focus remains on Gyokeres and Sesko, with a final decision likely to hinge on availability, price, and strategic fit with Arteta’s plans for the 2025 campaign.