Pundit says Arsenal missed out on two perfect signings after settling for Gyokeres

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·23 September 2026

Pundit says Arsenal missed out on two perfect signings after settling for Gyokeres

The summer of 2025 saw several of England’s top clubs pursue leading strikers, with Arsenal considering a number of options before eventually settling on Viktor Gyokeres.

One player Arsenal fans had long expected the club to sign was Alexander Isak, but it was clear that Newcastle United would demand a record fee to allow him to leave. Arsenal were not prepared to spend that amount on a striker, which meant their interest did not result in a deal.

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Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko were also among the options. Sesko had been a serious target for the Gunners twelve months earlier and may have expected Arsenal to return for him during the summer.

Liverpool secure two striker targets

However, Arsenal did not make a move for Sesko, who instead joined Manchester United. Liverpool, meanwhile, signed both Isak and Ekitike after losing players including Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez.

The Reds spent heavily to bring in both strikers, with Ekitike impressing last season before suffering an ACL injury. Isak, meanwhile, has been in strong form this season, further highlighting the attacking options Liverpool secured during the summer.

Arsenal’s decision to sign Gyokeres has since attracted attention, particularly because the striker has not always been trusted to start matches since the campaign began. Jay Bothroyd believes Arsenal should have pursued either Isak or Ekitike instead.

Gyokeres & Isak (Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)

Bothroyd identifies Arsenal’s alternatives

Bothroyd also discussed Julian Alvarez, another attacker he believes would have suited Arsenal. He explained his view while speaking via Caught Offside, saying that Alvarez was exactly the type of player Arsenal needed.

“When I look at Julian Alvarez, I think he is exactly what Arsenal needed.

“I wanted to get Alexander Isak from Newcastle; I think that was the perfect signing.

“Then Hugo Ekitike, that was a perfect signing.”

Bothroyd’s comments highlight the range of attacking options Arsenal had available during that summer. While the club ultimately chose Gyokeres, Isak and Ekitike were among the alternatives that could have strengthened their forward line.

The decision not to pursue those players has become a talking point, particularly as both have made significant contributions since joining Liverpool. For Arsenal, Gyokeres remains the striker they chose, while the performances of other options will continue to provide a point of comparison throughout the campaign.

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