Arsenal’s search for a new number nine continues, and they could be set to sign one of two very interesting options this summer.
While Arsenal bid for Ollie Watkins in January and previously had interest in Dusan Vlahovic, it would appear two key names have risen to the top of the Gunners’ striker shortlist.
Benjamin Sesko is wanted by Arsenal, while Viktor Gyokeres is on Mikel Arteta’s radar too.
Speaking on TalkSPORT, Gabby Agbonlahor has been discussing the idea of either of these two players heading to Arsenal, and he’s shared a word of warning.
Agbonlahor has reservations over Gyokeres and Sesko due to how unproven they are at the top level, noting that they could be similar to Darwin Nunez, or, even worse, Rasmus Hojlund.
Aston Villa v Liverpool FC - Premier League
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Gabriel Agbonlahor sends Arsenal Rasmus Hojlund warning
Agbonlahor spoke about how unproven Gyokeres and Sesko are at the top level.
The pundit spoke about how both players aren’t proven at the top level, warning Arsenal that they could flop in the same way Rasmus Hojlund did at Manchester United.
“The problem with the [Viktor] Gyokeres deal is, you know, we’ve seen with Darwin Nunez, scored a lot of goals in the Portuguese league, he’s come to the Premier League and it’s not worked,”
“Hojlund, he did well in Italy, it’s not worked at Manchester United.
“Gyokeres is 27, yes he scored bags of goals last season, 54 goals in 52 games but, I don’t know I feel like Arsenal need someone who’s guaranteed. Sesko’s young at 22, he can score and hold the ball up, but are they both? I’m not sure, they’re not 100%.”
Attackers signed from Bundesliga and Liga Portuguesa
Agbonlahor is right to be worried about Sesko and Gyokeres’ pedigree.
Indeed, while there have been some excellent exports from Germany and Portugal to the Premier League over the years, for every Erling Haaland there’s a Niclas Fullkrug.
Bundesliga to Premier League attacker signings Hit or miss? Liga Portuguesa to Premier League striker signings Hit or miss?
Erling Haaland Hit Darwin Nunez Miss
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Hit Cristiano Ronaldo Hit
Roberto Firmno Hit Eder Miss
Heung-Min Son Hit Helder Postiga Miss
Timo Werner Miss Nuno Gomes Miss
Sebastien Haller Miss Luis Diaz Hit
Niclas Fullkrug Miss Pedro Neto Hit
Jadon Sancho Miss Fabio Silva Miss
On the whole, exports from Germany and Portugal have been inconsistent, and Arsenal may be better off signing a striker from within England who has already proven they can do the business.
Ollie Watkins would fit that bill brilliantly, and with Arsenal still keen on Watkins, perhaps they should look into that deal.