Arsenal are facing a key summer to make a definitive step forward in their sporting project. Fans are anxiously awaiting clear moves to strengthen the attacking zone. Mikel Arteta is known to need a centre-forward who can provide goals, play with his back to defense and a bit of character in tight games.
Several names have been bandied about for months, but now the story has taken an unexpected turn. The club had set their sights on both Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres. However, in a matter of days, the situation seems to have cooled down. The latest reports cast doubt on how the matter will be resolved.
Update on Benjamin Sesko to Arsenal
According to Fabrizio Romano, one of the most reliable journalists in the transfer market, talks between Arsenal and RB Leipzig for Sesko have gone completely silent. It’s all because Viktor Gyokeres has become the top priority. The Swede has had a great season with Sporting Lisbon and has been attracting attention with his physical power and eye for goal.
Andrea Berta, director of football, flew to Portugal to close the deal. However, Romano himself reports in his newsletter for GIVEMESPORT that the negotiations are currently at a standstill. Club-to-club contacts have not progressed since Sunday. Sporting maintains their firm position. They will not lower conditions for a player they consider vital to their project.
This slowdown complicates Arteta’s plans, who needs a “nine” as soon as possible to avoid compromising the pre-season. On the other hand, Leipzig are not budging on Sesko and are demanding the full amount. The silence on that front fuels the fear of being without both. The next few days will be decisive to see if Berta finds creative solutions. For the moment, caution reigns at the Emirates.
Is choosing Gyokeres over Sesko right?
In my opinion, Arsenal are gambling all their money on Gyokeres by leaving out Sesko. It is true that the Swede would fit well in the Premier League because of his strength and direct style. However, Sesko offers room for growth and something different: more mobility, youth and a potential yet to be discovered.
Fixing the whole strategy on one target could turn out to be a mistake if Sporting close in on him. In addition, the fans are demanding forcefulness in the market, and the lack of progress generates nerves. Arteta needs a reliable striker to avoid overloading players like Havertz. Sesko would not come cheap, but his profile could be a better long-term fit.
Gyokeres fits in the short term. The dilemma is clear: urgency or potential. Personally, I think Arsenal must keep both avenues open. They can’t give away margin to their direct rivals. Romano makes it clear that everything is still deadlocked. If Berta does not act quickly, the team runs the risk of starting the campaign without a guaranteed nine. To fight for the Premier League, you need more than promises. This is the litmus test to see if the project knows how to react when the going gets tough.