Arsenal have been looking for a new first-choice striker for what feels like an eternity at this point.
Indeed, the Gunners have been all around the houses looking for a new number nine in recent years.
Ivan Toney was linked to Arsenal at one point, Arsenal bid for Ollie Watkins in January, and now, it looks like Benjamin Sesko is Arsenal’s top target.
However, as Arsenal know, these deals can collapse in an instant, but, luckily, the Gunners do have a plan B in place for that eventuality.
According to Sami Mokbel, speaking to The Football Terrace, Arsenal internally believe they’d probably be able to do a deal for Viktor Gyokeres if they don’t manage to land Sesko.
Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres looking on during a match for Sporting CP
Photo by Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images
Arsenal confident of Viktor Gyokeres plan B
Mokbel spoke about Arsenal’s search for a new striker.
As many have said, Mokbel noted that Sesko is Arsenal’s top target, but he did say that the numbers have to be right for a deal to be done.
If an agreement can’t be reached, Arsenal believe they could probably go and do a deal with Sporting for Viktor Gyokeres instead.
Gyokeres is a ‘world-class’ striker in the eyes of some, so this would be a very solid alternative.
“There is big backing behind the scenes at Arsenal from very influential people to do that Sesko deal,” Mokbel said.
“That isn’t to say they will do it, because the numbers have to be right, and that’s where they are at the moment. But if they can’t strike a deal for Benjamin Sesko, provided he’s still available, they know they can probably do a deal with Sporting for Viktor Gyokeres.”
Viktor Gyokeres compared to Benjamin Sesko
Arsenal have Gyokeres lined up as their plan B if they don’t sign Sesko, but perhaps the Swedish striker should be Arsenal’s first-choice.
Indeed, when you look at the stats, there’s an argument to be made that Gyokeres is the better player.
Viktor Gyokeres Benjamin Sesko
33 Games 33
39 Goals 13
7 Assists 5
27 Age 22
Of course, there are caveats to those numbers that need to be considered.
Sesko is a younger player who is currently playing at a higher level, even if he’s scoring fewer goals.
The Portuguese League, with all due respect, is a few rungs below the Bundesliga, so it’s hard to put so much stock in the goals that Gyokeres has been scoring.
There is a real argument to make that Gyokeres would potentially be a better signing than Sesko, so perhaps Arsenal should rethink their priorities.