A deal for Viktor Gyokeres to join Arsenal is edging closer. More talks between Sporting CP and the Gunners took place yesterday,football.london understands, with more scheduled to find an agreement. Andrea Berta, Arsenal’s sporting director, has moved swiftly after a decision was made to back away from talks with RB Leipzig.
Arsenal wanted to reach an agreement on a deal to sign Benjamin Sesko from the German club, but they proved unwilling to move on their price tag, whereas the Portuguese side have been more amicable in their discussions. There is also the matter of the discussions on both players' sides.
Last summer, Arsenal pursued a deal for Sekso, but the Slovenian international decided to stay with Leipzig for another season despite having a €65million (£55million) release clause that the club were believed to be willing to pay. However, the player wanted guarantees that he would be playing over Kai Havertz, which simply could not be given at that time.
Fast forward a year and despite returning for Sesko and personal terms not believed to be an issue this time around, the new contract that was signed by the striker has proven the biggest stumbling block in any deal as it gave Leipzig more control in negotiations and a firmer standing on price. Gyokeres, meanwhile, has been desperate to make the move to Arsenal.
Reports in Portugal from the Record have suggested the Swede has gone as far as to give up €2million (£1.7million) of his salary to try to help facilitate a move between the clubs. Mikel Arteta has always appreciated the desire of players to make the move and play for his project which could have been a factor in the sudden shift toward Gyokeres.
Where last summer Sesko had his doubts over whether a move was the right choice for him, it was very different for Gyokeres. He is backing himself to make this move and that is very alluring.
If Sesko wants to make a move to an elite-level club, then the decisions made by Gyokeres could indeed stand as a marker. Speaking with Give Me Sport, and asked about the saga between the Leipzig striker and Gyokeres, Sesko’s agent Elvis Basanovic said: “Let me tell you: Sesko is not competing with anyone.
“It’s him vs him every day. We have a clear plan for the future, and media speculation doesn’t affect us. Sesko is not just a striker, he is a special striker.”
He added: “Even if there may be - or will be - a strong desire of the player to move to a certain club, we will never force or blackmail RB Leipzig. I believe this is not the right way, because the way you actually exit from the club shows your values. Values that you are bringing into a new club.”
Make of those words what you will. However the actions of Gyokeres on the player’s side have proven pivotal in Arsenal’s decision to instead shift their attention.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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