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Arsenal’s Striker Search: Inside the Pursuit of Gyokeres and Sesko

Dual focus signals high ambition

It is a curious moment in Arsenal’s evolution. After another season of tantalising near-success, Mikel Arteta’s side find themselves at the edge of a new threshold. They are not merely contenders, but a club with the conviction to push for supremacy. And in that pursuit, all eyes are now fixed on one pressing need: a true No9.

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Arsenal are not simply circling names; they are deep into discussions. According to John Cross of The Mirror, the club is weighing up two major options — Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting Lisbon and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig — in what has been described as a kind of “beauty pageant”.

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It is a striking analogy but a telling one. The Gunners are not planning to sign both, yet they remain in open dialogue over both profiles, assessing upside, availability and cost.

Andrea Berta, the newly appointed sporting director, is said to be conducting these conversations, keeping multiple irons in the fire. It is a methodical, almost Real Madrid-esque approach, treating recruitment not just as a need but as a multi-dimensional investment.

Gyokeres offers instant impact

The appeal of Viktor Gyokeres is immediate. At 27, he is entering his prime and has been prolific for Sporting. His physicality, movement and eye for goal make him a traditional centre-forward — a type Arsenal have not had since the early days of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s tenure.

Mirror Football’s June 6 report revealed that Gyokeres “prefers a move to Arsenal ahead of any other club”, despite interest from Manchester United, Spain and Italy.

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However, his situation at Sporting is increasingly fraught. Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon have publicly denied any form of gentleman’s agreement to let him leave for £60 million. Club president Frederico Varandas did not mince words, accusing Gyokeres’ agent of “playing games” with the price.

It is a standoff that complicates matters, particularly for Arsenal, who are balancing the need for a marquee striker against the imperative to spend wisely. With Martin Zubimendi expected to arrive from Real Sociedad for £51 million, financial flexibility matters.

The question with Gyokeres is one of context. He has thrived in Portugal, but the Premier League is an unforgiving transition. Arsenal know this — they’ve seen others excel abroad only to falter in England’s physical, faster-paced theatre.

Sesko’s ceiling remains sky high

On the other hand, Benjamin Sesko represents something more long-term and dynamic. The 22-year-old Slovenian forward was on Arsenal’s radar last summer, and according to Cross, “Sesko was close to joining Arsenal before deciding to stay in Germany for one more year”.

Sesko could now be available for a fee in excess of £60 million, and although Bayern Munich are interested, the Gunners are in a stronger position due to their groundwork and Arteta’s admiration.

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There is an allure to Sesko that goes beyond numbers. Tall, quick, composed — he is often compared to Alexander Isak in terms of physical traits and fluidity. Importantly, Sesko is not necessarily a direct replacement for Havertz, but could work in tandem with him. His style would add something Arsenal’s current squad lacks: a forward who can stretch the pitch vertically without sacrificing technical security.

Strategic intent underlines recruitment drive

What is especially intriguing is Arsenal’s broader strategy. The Mirror reports that Ollie Watkins remains on their radar after a failed January move, and names such as Julian Alvarez and Alexander Isak are still loosely linked.

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It is an unusual tactic to keep so many options alive this late in negotiations, but it reflects Berta’s thorough, almost forensic process. He is under pressure to deliver not just a name, but the right name — a striker who can deliver immediately but also complement a squad already close to elite.

There is also the financial backdrop. With Zubimendi’s move all but confirmed and defensive reinforcements like Riccardo Calafiori set to stay, Arsenal’s recruitment drive is about fine margins. Every penny must be maximised.

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There is a buzz among Arsenal fans, and rightly so. For the first time in years, this doesn’t feel like a summer of speculative punts, but one of real, considered ambition. Whether it is Gyokeres or Sesko, the Gunners are moving with intent, not just to close the gap with Manchester City and Liverpool but to overtake them.

The idea of Gyokeres charging through Premier League backlines or Sesko developing into a world-class No9 under Arteta’s guidance is exciting. There’s no denying the excitement that either name brings.

Gyokeres, with his physical presence, could give Arsenal that edge in games where they are locked in a 0-0 stalemate and need a battering ram to break the line. He feels like a plug-and-play option. Someone who steps in on day one and delivers.

Sesko, though, feels like a project with an explosive ceiling. He fits the mould of what Arsenal have built — young, talented, coachable. Watching him alongside Havertz or feeding off Ødegaard’s passes? That is a tantalising prospect.

It’s also reassuring to see the club operating with purpose. Andrea Berta may be new in the role, but this multi-target approach shows a clear plan. Arsenal are not panicking or scrambling. They’re negotiating from a position of strength.

This summer, Arsenal have the rare chance to go from being the nearly men to champions. Landing the right striker will go a long way in determining which side of that line they fall on.