Arsenal’s search for a new striker has reached a critical stage, with negotiations for their top two targets, Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, hitting roadblocks. The north London club had aimed to wrap up a deal before their pre-season tour to Singapore and Hong Kong, but delays have forced them to consider fallback options. With no breakthrough in sight, Arsenal are now actively working on a ‘Plan C’ strategy to reinforce their attacking line before the summer window closes.
New Targets Take Centre Stage
As it becomes clear that deals for Sesko and Gyokeres may not materialise, Arsenal have begun focusing on alternative forwards. One of the leading names being considered is Hugo Ekitike, currently with Eintracht Frankfurt. Valued at around £60 million, the French striker offers a blend of pace and potential that fits the club’s long-term vision. Ekitike is seen as a more accessible option, particularly if Arsenal decide to redirect funds that would have been tied up in higher bids for other targets.
Also under consideration is Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez. His familiarity with the Premier League could make him a strong option, depending on his availability and cost. However, any move for Alvarez would depend on Arsenal’s ability to create room in the squad and budget by offloading other players. While not the marquee signing fans initially expected, these alternatives provide the club with viable paths forward in a difficult market.
As it stands, Arsenal are priced with 9/4 odds of winning the league next season based on the2025 analysis of top sports betting sites. This places the Gunners as one of the top three favourites to win the Premier League. Should they manage to sign a well-established striker to score important goals next season, optimism around the Emirates will increase and will likely see many Arsenal fans placing bets at top betting sites. Gambling expert Matt Bastock notes that fans can enjoy competitive odds, fast payouts, and generous bonuses throughout the season on these sites. Whether it be Alvarez, Ekitke, Sesko, or Gyorkes leading the front three next season remains to be seen, but the excitement for a new Frontman at the Emirates is palpable.
Setbacks in the Pursuit of Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko had emerged asone of Arsenal’s top choices for the number nine role. At first, the belief was that a fee in the region of £60 million would be enough to secure the RB Leipzig striker. However, the German side has held firm, pushing the price closer to Sesko’s £70 million release clause.
This sudden increase has given Arsenal pause. The club is hesitant to meet the full valuation, especially without assurances of an uncontested deal. Meanwhile, interest from Saudi Arabian teams has made the situation even more volatile. Arsenal are reluctant to get dragged into a bidding war, fearing it could inflate both the transfer fee and the player’s wage demands beyond what they are willing to commit.
Complications Surrounding Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres had also become a serious target for Arsenal after a standout season at Sporting CP, helping the club win another league title. Arsenal initially hoped that a deal could be reached below the striker’s £85 million release clause, possibly around £59 million based on earlier suggestions. However, Sporting CP’s leadership has made it clear that no such discount will be offered.
The club has now raised its asking price to around £67 million, a figure Arsenal are hesitant to pay given concerns about Gyokeres’ age and limited resale value. Despite his form in Portugal, the club views the investment as high-risk without guarantees of long-term return. This has caused a reassessment of priorities, contributing to the push for alternative targets.
Striker Uncertainty Creates Player Frustration
As the transfer window drags on, both Sesko and Gyökeres are reportedly aware that Arsenal intend to bring in only one striker this summer. With neither deal making real progress, uncertainty has crept in. The situation has left both forwards in limbo, each hoping for movement that could unlock a Premier League switch, but knowing only one will get the opportunity.
Frustration has grown behind the scenes as Arsenal appear to have made a decision on Gyökeres, while talks involving Sesko continue to stallamid a lack of clarity. Both players had been led to believe they were high on the club’s shortlist, but delays have created tension as they wait for a definitive move.
Urgency Builds as Pre-Season Approaches
With pre-season tours on the horizon, Arsenal’s lack of progress on their striker pursuit is becoming more pressing. The club had planned to finalise deals early to allow new arrivals time to settle in and adapt. As talks continue without resolution, the likelihood of switching fully to other forward options grows stronger. Whether Arsenal decide to escalate their bids for Sesko or Gyokeres, or commit to an alternative forward like Ekitike or Alvarez, the coming weeks will be pivotal in shaping their attacking line for the 2025–26 campaign.