Arsenal are now closing in on a deal for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, who scored an extraordinary number of goals in Portugal last season.
Arsenal just announced Martin Zubimendi as the club’s new #36, and things are now moving very fast for the Gunners in the transfer market.
Sporting director Andrea Berta has now been photographed alongside Zubimendi at the Emirates as the Spaniard signed his long-term contract.
And the Italian might soon be sat next to Viktor Gyokeres in very similar circumstances.
Although Benjamin Sesko was once in ‘pole position’ to sign for Arsenal, the Gunners’ striker search is now heavily weighing in favour of Gyokeres.
Arsenal have decided to sign Viktor Gyokeres after Benjamin Sesko frustrations
That being said, reliable in-the-know X account HandofArsenal has now explained why Arsenal have opted for Gyokeres instead of Benjamin Sesko.
David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano have recently credited HandofArsenal’s work, explaining why Arsenal fans are trusting the account’s words.
And when it comes to picking Gyokeres over Sesko, it simply seems to be a case of RB Leipzig demanding too much money for the 22-year-old.
Benjamin Sesko after a Bundesliga match for RB Leipzig.
Photo by Ralf Ibing – firo sportphoto/Getty Images
READ MORE: Ben White has already let slip the ‘unfortunate’ situation which could see Arsenal lose Ethan Nwaneri
Sharing their update, HandofArsenal wrote: “For the last 2 weeks Marcel Schafer (DoF) for RB Leipzig refused to negotiate lower than €90 million.
“The mission then became very clear.
“Arsenal now trying to close a deal for Viktor Gyokeres. Talks ongoing over the structure of the fee and add ons.”
For the last 2 weeks Marcel Schäfer (DoF) for RB Leipzig refused to negotiate lower than €90 million.
The mission then became very clear.
Arsenal now trying to close a deal for Viktor Gyökeres. Talks ongoing over the structure of the fee and add ons.
— HandöfArsenal (@HandofArsenal) July 6, 2025
View Tweet
Whilst Gyokeres is seen as the ‘win now’ option for Arsenal, Sesko is presented as much more of a ‘project player’, even if he has scored a credible amount of goals in the Bundesliga.
But when Arsenal can sign the complete package for a lower fee, the choice seemingly becomes fairly simple.
Gyokeres and Sesko’s goal records compared at the same age
As mentioned, Sesko is five years behind Gyokeres in terms of his career, a 27-year-old who should be entering his prime.
But it’s interesting to consider that at a similar age, Gyokeres was still struggling to find his feet at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Sesko turned 22 last season in May, and when Gyokeres turned 22, he was on loan at German side FC St.Pauli from Brighton.
Games Goals Goal ratio
Gyokeres at 22 (FC St.Pauli) 28 7 0.25
Sesko at 22 (RB Leizpig) 45 21 0.47
Gyokeres and Sesko compared in the season in which they turned 22.
So at a similar age, Gyokeres was playing in the second tier of Bundesliga football with an inferior goal record to Sesko, who’s currently playing in the top flight.
Of course, the Swede has made incredible progress since then, but it’s still an interesting comparison nonetheless.
And whilst Gyokeres could well inspire a title push at Arsenal next season, Sesko might always be that ‘what if’ striker for the Gunners, a player who clearly has such a high ceiling.