Journalist Reveals Arsenal Have ‘Agreed Terms’ to Sign Striker | OneFootball

Arsenal Push Forward on Dual Striker Front with Sesko and Gyokeres in Sight

As Arsenal gear up for another title charge under Mikel Arteta, the focus this summer is firmly on securing a top-class centre-forward. With Alexander Isak out of reach, the North London club have turned their attention to Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres but, crucially, they only plan to sign one.

In a revealing update from Sacha Tavolieri of Sky Sports Switzerland, Arsenal’s transfer strategy has come into sharper focus, with both deals being advanced in parallel as part of a deliberate contingency plan.

Forward Planning in a Competitive Market

Tavolieri explains: “RB Leipzig have indeed started negotiations with Arsenal over the Benjamin Sesko deal.” The Slovenian striker remains a major target, but personal terms are yet to be agreed. In contrast, “Gyokeres has already given his verbal agreement to join the Gunners.”

This twin-track approach is a sign of strategic maturity. Arsenal have learned from recent windows where hesitation has proved costly. Tavolieri adds: “Gunners’ objective is to make progress on several fronts simultaneously to avoid being left empty-handed if talks were to break down.”

Andrea Berta, the club’s newly-appointed sporting director, is orchestrating a transfer window with a clear objective: secure key upgrades in attack while maintaining flexibility in negotiations.

Pricing Up Two Different Propositions

Viktor Gyokeres’ prolific season in Portugal has made him an enticing option. The Swede netted consistently as Sporting secured a domestic double, and due to a prior verbal agreement, he can leave for €65m–€70m — well below his official €100m release clause.

Sesko, meanwhile, remains the more speculative target in terms of cost. His €80m release clause is “on a sliding scale and increases over time,” making swift action essential. Leipzig may be open to selling for a higher figure, but only with favourable payment terms that go beyond the clause.

So while both players offer distinct profiles, the financial considerations behind each are markedly different.

Photo: IMAGO

Calculated Approach Reflects Club Unity

Reports indicate that from Arteta to Berta, and right up to the Kroenke ownership, the club are unified in their determination to land a striker who can tip the scales in both Europe and the Premier League.

The Gyokeres situation feels more advanced. His verbal agreement suggests a deal is within Arsenal’s control. Sesko, however, would require more effort and perhaps a bidding war, with other European heavyweights watching closely.

Still, Arsenal’s proactive stance is reminiscent of last summer’s smart recruitment drive, where early business laid the groundwork for a sustained title challenge.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Arsenal fans, this dual-pronged pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko signals the club’s growing ruthlessness in the transfer market. No more dithering. No more missed opportunities. The idea that we’re pushing hard on two elite-level targets, with the plan to land one, is refreshing.

There’s a clear consensus in the fanbase that a top striker is the final piece of Arteta’s evolving project. Gyokeres feels like the more ‘ready-made’ option. He’s robust, Premier League-ready, and coming off a season where he dominated for Sporting. His valuation, reportedly around €65m, is also reasonable by current standards.

Sesko, though, is the future. He’s raw but supremely talented. His movement, finishing and European exposure with Leipzig show a striker with a high ceiling. He might not be the finished product, but under Arteta’s coaching, he could become something special.

The idea that Arsenal are structuring these negotiations in tandem is smart. It prevents them from being caught flat-footed, something fans have been critical of in the past. The hope now is that whichever path the club take, they follow it through with purpose and conviction. Because make no mistake, this striker signing is the difference between another close race and finally ending the title drought.