Sporting Hold Out for €70m as Arsenal Push to Land Forward | OneFootball

Gyökeres Deal Back on Arsenal’s Radar as Sesko Talks Collapse

Arsenal U-turn as Sesko Saga Stalls

Just when it looked like Benjamin Sesko was Emirates-bound, Arsenal have made a decisive pivot. Mikel Arteta and his recruitment team, frustrated by Leipzig’s negotiation stance, have shifted their sights back to Viktor Gyökeres. According to Record, the Gunners have now “increased the offer” to Sporting to a package of €65 million plus €15 million in variables, effectively walking away from Sesko after weeks of protracted talks.

Leipzig demanded €80 million, including €40 million up front, while Arsenal’s offer stalled at €70 million. With time slipping away and pre-season preparations looming, Arteta’s patience reached its limit. Talks with Sesko had become “an impasse” according to Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta. “No progress being made over the last week, and the feeling of frustration was growing.”

Arteta Pushes for Swift Reinforcements

The Arsenal manager is clearly eager to integrate a new striker into his system early. Sesko, at 22, offers long-term upside but the German club’s rigid demands forced a rethink. The need for clarity became vital. “Arteta was of the opinion that the best option would be to move forward with another solution.”

That solution is Viktor Gyökeres. The Swedish international had reportedly always wanted to join Arsenal, and discussions with him have proved far smoother. “Much easier to reach an agreement,” as Record puts it. A five-year contract at the Emirates now awaits the 27-year-old, pending agreement with Sporting.

Sporting Stand Firm on Price Tag

Despite the improved bid, a resolution is not yet guaranteed. “Sporting and Arsenal are separated by 5 million euros,” with club president Frederico Varandas still demanding a €70 million fixed fee. Arsenal’s structure of €65 million plus €15 million in add-ons may fall short unless compromise is reached quickly.

The contrasting opinions within Arsenal about the two targets also reveal the club’s wider strategic debate. While some saw Sesko’s youth and Bundesliga pedigree as more valuable, others, including Berta, are backing the proven quality of Gyökeres, who netted prolifically in Portugal.

As Record rightly notes, “The Swedish forward… will have a five-year contract at Emirates waiting for him, as soon as he leaves Sporting.” Arsenal fans may soon be seeing a new number nine pulling on the shirt in north London.

Our View – EPL Index

Excited Arsenal Fan View:

It finally feels like Arsenal are being decisive in the transfer market. While Sesko looked like the exciting long-term project, this deal for Gyökeres is the smarter short-term move. He’s 27, at his peak, and scores goals for fun. If we really want to compete with Manchester City and Liverpool, we cannot afford to spend a month haggling over €5 million.

Arteta clearly wants his squad ready for pre-season and Gyökeres is a powerful forward who suits our pressing game. Yes, he has not played in the Premier League yet, but his time at Coventry and development in Portugal show he can adapt.

Some fans will be disappointed we missed out on Sesko, especially given his age and Bundesliga experience, but if the club can land a player who actually wants to be here, then this is the right move. “Much easier to reach an agreement” says it all. We’ve wasted too much time chasing players who aren’t committed.

Let’s hope Edu and Berta get this final €5 million hurdle cleared. This could be the signing that gives us that extra edge we missed last season. We’ve come too close too often.