Arsenal enters into an highly important and busy summer transfer window with Isak, Gyokeres and Sesko on the cards. The club’s pursuit for a world class striker has already clicked headlines. The season for Mikel Arteta and Gunners is already over as they fell short in Premier League as well as the Champion’s League. With another trophyless season, the need for a clinical no. 9 has never been clearer. The Gunners are in quite a dilemma between New Castle’s Alexander Isak and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.
The Isak vs. Gyokeres vs. Sesko Debate
Who makes it to Emirates? Isak, Gyokeres or Sesko. Alexander Isak has been in the eyes of Arteta as a “dream target”. The Swede’s blend of technical prowess and Premier League pedigree is one of the many reasons behind him being preferred. However, Newcastle’s reluctancy to sell Isak puts a valuation of 150 million euros for Arsenal, posing significant hurdles. The Magpies’ likely Champions League qualification further complicates negotiations, as they have no financial incentives to offload their star striker.
In contrast, Viktor Gyokeres emerges as a more attainable option. The 26 year old shattered records at Sporting, netting 52 goals and 12 assists in 49 appearances this season. Frederico Varandas is open to negotiations below his 100 million euros release clause, with a potential deal that could lock in for around 58.5 million euros. Arsenal’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, has prioritized Gyokeres due to his affordability and proven output in Portugal, though questions remain about his adaptability in the Premier League.
Internal Dynamics: While Isak remains Arteta’s preference, financial pragmatism favors Gyokeres. The Gunner’s budget also requires covering the crisis in midfield, defense and wing depth, so making a 150 million euros splurge on Isak is unrealistic. Advancements with Gyokeres is already under negotiations. However, in case of any situations of transfer halt, Arsenal has the 21 year old Slovenian raw talent, Benjamin Sesko, on their cards.
Financial Realities and Priorities
Arsenal’s summer budget is estimated to be at around 200=250 million euro. Moreover, the sales of fringe players like Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson could help. Arsenal’s key expense include: Real Sociedad’s midfield maestro Martin Zubimendi. The deal has verbally been worked upon with and he is ready to join in on a 51 million euros, replacing Jorginho as the defensive midfield anchor. They are also nearly closing a deal with Espanyol’s goalkeeper Joan Garcia competing with David Raya. Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams is also the top target for the left flank with Martinelli. Beyond tranfers, Arsenal’s focus remain on securing long term contracts for Bukayo Saka and William Saliba. Saliba’s future is particularly critical amid the interest from Real Madrid.
🚨 @Teamnewsandtix: “It’s pretty much widely accepted within football that if Newcastle DON’T get Champions League, Alexander Isak will go. It’s no secret that everyone at Arsenal would want Isak & will do it if possible, but it would come at the expense of other areas.”
“The… pic.twitter.com/zeQi8fSUyU
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) May 10, 2025
Gunner’s Striker Saga – A Crossroads of Ambition and Pragmatism
This is not just a transfer dilemma, for Arteta and Arsenal it is a statement of intent. Alexander Isak, a Premier League’s proven magician who could elevate the Emirates to euphoria. But the price tag of 150 million euros dangles like a chandelier in a hurricane. It seems dazzling yet it is dangerously fragile for a long term decision.
Viktor Gyokeres has been a monster this season. A goal machine with a bargain sticker that offer Arteta the rare luxury of a balancing ambition with financial stability. With costing nearly half, the Swede’s arrival would not just fill the void of a striker but also will free Arsenal to fortify their squad and title dreams.
Moreover, Benjamin Sesko is already on the verge of becoming a Slovenian prodigy with his astonishing performance as any break on the Gyokeres deal will put keen eyes on the 21 year old lad.
The stakes are sky high, and with rivals reloading and the Club World Cup closing in, hesitation is never an option. Whether it is Gyokeres’ ruthless efficiency or Isac’s costly boots, Arsenal’s choice will echo for beyond summer and winters. This time, for Gunner’s, they will not just be buying a striker but are in need of craft a legacy
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