Arsenal’s apparent top-two striker targets this summer are currently injured, with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres both missing internationals this week.
LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 22: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP celebrates after scoring a goal during the Portuguese Cup match between Sporting CP and Amarante FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 22, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
Arsenal are widely expected to sign a centre-forward this summer, and the leading contenders for a transfer are RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.
Both strikers are key starters for their countries, with Sesko scoring 16 goals and assisting six in 41 appearances for Slovenia, and Gyokeres scoring 15 goals and assisting six in 26 games for Sweden.
Yet neither have been involved for their countries over the June break so far, with the pair reportedly picking up injuries.
LEIPZIG, GERMANY: Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and FC Bayern München at Red Bull Arena on May 03, 2025. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images
Gyokeres was the first to pull out of international duty, with Sweden confirming on Tuesday that he’d left the squad due to a “minor injury”. The nature of the problem wasn’t revealed, but the statement confirmed that the 27-year-old would be unavailable against Hungary and Algeria.
Unlike Gyokeres, Sesko hasn’t officially pulled out of the break yet, but he was absent for Friday’s friendly against Luxembourg.
Ryan Taylor reports for the Mirror that RB Leipzig asked Slovenia not to play Sesko in either game over the break, with the player nursing a knee issue.
The injury isn’t believed to be serious, but it would be a big financial blow to Leipzig if Sesko suffered a setback and couldn’t make his proposed move to Arsenal.
LISBON, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 12: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Borussia Dortmund at on February 12, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images
Slovenia didn’t make any promises. They called up Sesko anyway, and they hope he might still be fit for Tuesday’s match against Bosnia & Herzegovina. But the national team reportedly won’t push the player to feature if he’s not ready.
It’s likely the players themselves are just as keen as their clubs not to pick up injuries in post-season friendlies, potentially denying them dream transfers this summer. It’d be for the best if they aren’t involved this week.
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