Arsenal’s preference for Viktor Gyokeres over Benjamin Sesko has been explained, with a defining moment identified where the club’s transfer focus became unmistakably clear.
It is understood by Softfootball that Arsenal’s pursuit of a new No.9 this summer hasn’t been just about filling a gap, it’s been about finding the perfect striker to spearhead their title charge. While Benjamin Sesko was once firmly in the frame, the Gunners have now turned their focus to Viktor Gyokeres, and for good reason.
With Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi already through the door, the Gunners now look to bolster their attack, a need Football.london describes as crucial to their Premier League ambitions.
Getting the player in before the pre-season tour of Asia was high up in Mikel Arteta’s list of wants, and therefore, with negotiations underway with both RB Leipzig, Sporting CP, Sesko, and Gyokeres for some time, the angst has grown.
Despite long talks with Leipzig over a deal, the German side have not budged on a valuation which Arsenal deemed too high. The club, while having their preferences, refused to be bullied into paying a fee well over their valuation and, as a result, are moving on to Gyokeres.
Another benefit is the Swede’s desire to move to the club. While many of the difficulties that were alleged regarding Sesko and personal terms are thought not to be accurate, and the Slovenian is believed to be keen on the move, Gyokeres has gone the extra mile to try and make this deal happen.
But it seems Arsenal had their decision made for them by Leipzig director of football Marcel Schafer. In a recent tweet posted by HandsofArsenal on X, they believed that he refused to negotiate lower than €90million (£77.7m), and the ‘mission then became very clear.
Indeed, that led to the Gunners trying to close a deal for Gyokeres, with talks ongoing over the structure of the fee and add-ons.
Insiders David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano have confirmed that the striker has agreed to personal terms with Arsenal. It’s also widely believed that a club-to-club agreement will be reached.
Romano has said:
“He only wants to go to Arsenal and he will not show up for training anymore.”
Gyokeres would be expected to return to training on Monday, but is threatening not to, as he’s disappointed the side have gone back on their agreement to let him leave for an entire package of €70million (£60.4m).
The hope is that Arsenal can swiftly agree to the move with the Portuguese side and that Gyokeres can join the team, which is beginning pre-season training this week, including a warm-weather training camp in Spain. They will then fly to Asia for their pre-season tour, where Gyokeres could make his debut.
In an earlier update, Softfootball reported that Sunderland might lose Suarez deal if Arsenal buy Gyokeres. Newly promoted Premier League side, Sunderland, might lose their pursuit of Colombia striker, Luis Suarez if Arsenal sign Swedish striker, Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.
Sporting CP are lining up Suarez as their ideal replacement for Gyokeres if the striker eventually leaves the club this summer. Sunderland had agreed a fee of £21m with Almeria, which is originally the release clause of the Colombian.
Suarez became hot cake in this transfer market after his 33 goals in 56 games performance in 2 years.
