Arsenal are actively chasing deals for both Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko at the same time. While they're not looking to sign two centre-forwards, Arsenal's sporting director Andrea Berta is keeping an eye on the market and holding in-depth talks for both attackers. The Gunners also haven't shut the door on other options either, with Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins remaining under consideration after a January move faild to materialise.
Alexander Isak and Julian Alvarez are also liked yet Gyokeres and Sesko are the front-runners in Arsenal's current striker hunt. Gyokeres favours joining Arsenal over other suitors, including Manchester United and clubs from Spain and Italy. The 27-year-old finds himself at loggerheads with Sporting, who have refuted claims of an existing 'gentleman's agreement' permitting the Swedish forward to depart for £60million.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas has publicly criticised Gyokeres' representatives for "playing games" with the fee, leading to a tense stand-off. Meanwhile, 22-year-old Sesko may be available from RB Leipzig for just over £60m, and he was on the brink of an Arsenal switch last summer but opted for one more season in Germany.
Sesko has attracted attention from several clubs, including Bayern Munich, but Arsenal and their manager Arteta have shown significant interest in the player's potential as a younger talent.
Gyokeres is older and has been scoring regularly for Sporting and could be ready to make an immediate impact, although his move from the Portuguese league could be risky. He fits the mould of a traditional centre forward.
Sesko, on the other hand, is fast, tall and a different type of No.9. His skills could complement Kai Havertz's, and he has considerable room for further growth. Alternatively, Villa's Watkins would welcome a move to Arsenal whom he supported as a boy.
Berta faces immense pressure to secure the right striker and it is a decision which could define whether or not Arsenal win a major trophy this season. For Arsenal, the challenge lies in signing a top-tier striker while also having funds for other targets, such as Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who is expected to join for £51m.