Arsenal - Benjamin Sesko
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have drawn up a final shortlist of three strikers as they intensify their search for a new No.9 this summer, with Viktor Gyökeres, Benjamin Sesko, and Ollie Watkins emerging as the primary targets, according to reports includingThe Mirror’s chief football writer John Cross.
Manager Mikel Arteta has made it clear that the club is preparing for a “big summer,” and the need for a reliable goalscorer has become a top priority as the Gunners aim to go one better in next season’s Premier League title race.
Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres remains Arsenal’s top target, but a deal is proving complicated. The Swedish international, who has scored a remarkable 97 goals in 102 games since joining the Portuguese giants in 2023, is seen as the ideal candidate to lead the Gunners’ frontline.
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Despite holding talks and tabling offers reportedly worth up to €70m (£60m) including add-ons, Arsenal have hit a wall in negotiations. Sporting president Frederico Varandas is standing firm on the striker’s £85m release clause, rejecting what he described as pressure tactics from the player’s representatives.
Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres (Image credit: Getty Images)
Manchester United also showed interest in Gyökeres, but the 27-year-old reportedly turned down a move to Old Trafford, favouring a Champions League club like Arsenal.
With the Gyökeres deal stalling, Arsenal continue to negotiate a deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. The 22-year-old Slovenian has scored 39 goals in 87 appearances for Leipzig since joining from Red Bull Salzburg in 2023, including 21 goals last season alone.
The Gunners attempted to sign Sesko last summer before he agreed a new deal with Leipzig. However, talks have resumed this summer, and while Leipzig are reportedly seeking a fee in the region of €70–100m, sources suggest they are open to negotiations.
Arsenal - Benjamin Šeško - Fabrizio Romano
Benjamin Sesko (Image credit: Getty Images)
Sesko is also attracting attention from Bayern Munich, who are exploring him as a long-term successor to Harry Kane.
Arsenal’s third option is a familiar Premier League name, Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins. The England international enjoyed an outstanding season, scoring 20 league goals and helping Villa qualify for the Champions League.
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Watkins is viewed as a more cost-effective and proven alternative if Arsenal fail to land either Gyökeres or Sesko. Though not as flashy as the other two targets, his consistency and experience in the English top flight make him an attractive backup plan.
Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins (Image credit: Getty Images)
Arsenal’s recruitment team now face a pivotal decision. The Gunners must weigh the long-term potential and higher price tags of Gyökeres and Sesko against the reliability and Premier League experience offered by Watkins.
With interest in other areas of the squad including a winger and midfield reinforcements, Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta will have to balance ambition with financial pragmatism. But one thing is clear: Arsenal intend to land a marquee striker before the new season kicks off.
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