David Ornstein has claimed that Arsenal are likely to make a blockbuster centre-forward addition in the summer transfer window, and that it could come down to a straight choice between either of two players.
Two of the hottest names in the Gunners rumour mill right now are Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, with the Premier League runners-up having reportedly entered talks for the Slovenian hitman and met with the Sweden international’s representatives.
The Athletic reporter was speaking on NBC Sports when he outlined the state of play regarding the likelihood of one of those marquee names coming to the Emirates Stadium during the off-season.
Ornstein said: “They’ve got a decision to make between Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig and Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting Lisbon, both fantastic options and talents. I do expect one of them to come into the Emirates Stadium this summer.”
Gyokeres and Sesko have both had an excellent season
Arsenal have reportedly offered €70m (£58.7m) for Gyokeres, but the Portuguese champions will almost certainly hold out for much more than that for a player who’s scored an incomprehensible 54 goals in 52 games this season.
Six of those came in the Champions League (including a hat-trick against Manchester City), which should quell any accusations of him being a mere flat-track bully in the Primeira Liga.
If the Gunners are unable to land the 26-year-old, then Sesko would certainly be a more than adequate alternative, should they succeed in luring him from RB Leipzig.
A 21-goal campaign for the Slovenian mightn’t be anywhere near as prolific as Gyokeres, but that tally still suggests that he’d give Arsenal a much greater cutting edge in the final third than what Mikel Arteta has had this season.
Signing either of them could make all the difference for Arsenal next season
If the north Londoners manage to bring either of those to the Emirates over the summer – as Ornstein is expecting – it should put them in a far better position to challenge or maybe even topple reigning champions Liverpool next season.
The lack of a truly reliable goalscorer has undoubtedly hampered the Gunners – nobody in Arteta’s squad hit double figures in the 2024/25 Premier League – but signing a Gyokeres or Sesko would surely remedy that notable weakness at Arsenal.
Sesko every day for me
unless Gyokeres comes in as a very inexpensive back up (is the Portuguese leg that good ?)
But pair them with preferably Leao (experts say he could be Henry 2.0) or Nico Williams & & we should fly
Hope he’s right, but would like them to add to the size and power additionally up front with a bid for Liam Delap. With good support and coaching, a future England centre forward.
Will you *please* do Viktor the courtesy of at least spelling his name with the correct annotation.
His name is Viktor Gyökeres.
it shows journalistic laziness and disrespects the man himself.
And seriously, David Ornstein? Comparing Sesko to Viktor Gyökeres is absurd. In either head to head or direct Workd or International competitions, Viktor has made mincemeat out of Sesko – at least 5 tines over the past 12 months or so.
As he has done so with Haaland, Isak, Mbappe, Vini Jnr, Watkins, Kane, Lewandowski and anyone else at World or International level competitions over the last 12 – 18 months.
It isn’t even close. Please report facts, rather than fantasy.🤨
It’s Viktor, Viktor and Viktor again. *0 goals per season? Sesko was unable to help his team with so many good players surrounding him. He is an unfinished product and a big risk. We want immediate goals. With the right midfield and wingers, Gyokeres will thrive
The problem with your analysis is that the form and statistics which he has demonstrated in the Portuguese league is certainly to be admired and respected but you have to consider the fact that the Premier League is probably the toughest in the world. I believe that either player would be of great benefit to Arsenal and the slight advantage Sesko has is that he is younger and has the potential to further improve. my prediction is that they will go with Sesko.
I prefer Gyokeres than Sesko, Hope Arsenal do go straight to the point. Gyokeres is the answer to Arsenal lack of goals. Up Gunners!
The stats shouldn’t be limited only to number of goals each striker scored but should include: quality of the opposition, penalty spot goals, taking on defence either to score or assist, defensive workrate, and of course the league where both strikers are plying their trade..