Arsenal - Mikel Arteta
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Arsenal are prepared to shift their focus to Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres amid growing frustration over Benjamin Sesko’s wage demands, according to reports.
The Gunners are eager to reinforce their attacking options following another trophyless campaign under Mikel Arteta, which ended with mounting criticism over the club’s transfer strategy. Injuries to key forwards Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus further exposed the need for added firepower, prompting the club’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, to prioritise the signing of a top-tier striker.
RB Leipzig forward Sesko, 22, emerged as Arsenal’s primary target after an impressive Bundesliga season that saw him score 13 goals and register five assists. However, negotiations with the Slovenian’s camp have reportedly hit a stumbling block due to what Arsenal perceive as excessive financial demands.
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According toThe Sun, the north London club remains interested in Sesko but is now considering a ‘dramatic change of direction’ towards Gyokeres, who has a release clause of £85 million at Sporting. Leipzig are said to be demanding around €100 million (£86 million) for Sesko.
Arsenal - Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko (Image credit: Getty Images)
Gyokeres, 27, enjoyed a sensational 2023/24 season in Portugal, netting 54 goals in 52 appearances as he helped Sporting secure a league and cup double. Despite the growing transfer speculation, the Sweden international has remained tight-lipped about his future, telling fans on Instagram last week: “There is a lot of talk at the moment, most of it is false. I will speak when the time is right.”
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His teammate, Conrad Harder, also addressed the speculation in a recent interview with Sport TV, saying: “We will never forget what Viktor did at Sporting. Never! But I hope that the team and I can live up to the challenge… I want to stay at Sporting.”
Gyokeres is under contract with Sporting until June 2028, and the club remains hopeful of keeping hold of their star forward despite growing interest from across Europe.
Meanwhile, Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber hinted at a busy transfer window during a recent interview with Matchday, noting the need for squad depth following last season’s injury woes.
“It will definitely be a busy one for Arsenal,” Timber said. “I think we will get a lot of players, because we had so many injuries last season. At one point we almost had no players left.”
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