Arsenal have now exited the race for Viktor Gyokeres after Mikel Arteta decided to commit to Benjamin Sesko, a year after failing to sign the Slovenian striker. Sesko has been regarded as one of the most promising young forwards in world football for some time, attracting interest from several clubs. At 21 years old, he possesses significant potential, and the Gunners are determined not to miss out on securing his services.
The club’s search for a top striker had initially included Gyokeres, Sesko, Victor Osimhen and Hugo Ekitike. However, Osimhen and Ekitike have since been removed from their list of targets, leaving Gyokeres and Sesko as the final contenders. Recent developments suggest that Arsenal have further refined their focus, with Football365 reporting that the club are now concentrating on a move for Sesko.
Arteta’s Conviction in Sesko
Mikel Arteta has been convinced about Sesko’s potential for at least a year, and the decision to drop Gyokeres from the shortlist confirms the manager’s strong preference for the Slovenian striker. The club now hopes to make significant progress in negotiations with RB Leipzig to secure his signature.
Sesko’s reputation as one of the finest young strikers in the game has only grown, and Arsenal are eager to complete the transfer. His combination of youth, talent and goal-scoring ability makes him an ideal fit for the team’s ambitions.
Looking Ahead
The Gunners are hopeful that a deal can be finalised soon, believing that Sesko will prove to be the right choice. The club are confident that he will enhance their attacking options and help them compete more effectively in domestic and European competitions.
As Arsenal await developments, the expectation is that Sesko will not only justify Arteta’s faith but also ensure that the decision to abandon the pursuit of Gyokeres will not be regretted. The coming weeks will be crucial as negotiations continue, and supporters will be keen to see the young striker don the Arsenal shirt in the near future.
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I expected this. Arteta will NEVER get an already made player that DOES NOT pay allegiance to him. At 21/22, Sesko fits Arteta bill; never made himself a name to outshine the manager!
I’d never have thought that Partey as an experienced head would have to pay allegiance to anyone. In this day and age, it is players that have the power – TAA for example – and may well just pay allegiance to themselves. Just a thought.
But seriously, it seems to me that sesko is just like harvertz. “Lazy” We need a vibrant striker. Arteta likes being untouchable, un- advisable. Please sack him if he doesn’t win a major trophy next season.
Arteta wants to be the coach and sporting director as well. We arsenal fans are tired of the “ almost but not quite” syndrome. Let Berta do his job.
Why not buy both strikers. It’s okay to have both gyokeres and sesko available because we are going to be playing in carabao, FA, champions league and premeir league.
Agreed on all points
I always thought the new striker would have Berta name printed in his back.
Somewhere along the line some sort of compromise took place, which is a good sign going forward.
His young tender age would have appeal to the Italian, regardless.
Good call especially if we can get him for less than the £93m being quoted.
It’s becoming obvious to Arsenal fans that Arteta is bereft of ideas for immediate success for the club. Arsenal needs a higher level executive who can override Arteta. He is afraid of successful players. Why does he extend the contracts of Partey who is 31 and Trossard who is 30, want to sign Zubimendi who is 26, but doesn’t want to sign a more prolific striker, Viktor Gyokeres, who is 26? Are we not witnessing younger players in the club or in other clubs getting injuries that keep them out for much of the season. Timber had injury in his first game of last season that kept him for a long time. If Sesko gets a hamstring or long-term injury, we’ll be back to square one. A club that has a history of player-injuries should try as much as possible to have 2 strikers. No, not almighty Arteta. We don’t hear of managers of other top clubs having such an overbearing negative influence in signing high quality players. I bet it’ll be the same also-ran story in the new season.
If it is true that Arteta has chosen Sesko over Gyokeres, I support him because he will not have to worry about changing the entire system in order to fit in Gyokeres. Sesko would seamlessly be integrated into our system, he more of a team player than a target man
Ur opinion, u can never want Arsenal success more than Arteta, he is the coach, he understand who can fit into his pattern most, and we still have those who can compliment sesko in the team so if Arteta Said it’s sexco so be it, stop all the negativity, and who said gyokeres doesn’t have arm string,, there no player that out shine his coach, and who is Gyokeres to outshine Arteta he played last 2 season in Coventry he is still a star in the making, he never prove himself to tht level or class u are taken him, And to cap it up coach cup cabinet matter to him than any individual pride
I tell you I’m crying right now 😢😭😭😭
If by next season Arteta doesn’t win any medal, I think he should just leave the club.
Yea let him go so afraid of powerful players
Contrary to all the spin about securing Gyokeres iv said repeatedly that he won’t arrive;
And why should Arteta endorse and commit to buy any striker associated by former allegiances to mufc chief – Ruben Amorin? Is Gyokeres this good? – id suggest he’s also unproven and that multiple goals scored in the Portuguese League of itself does not translate into goals in this low-block, rough n tough, well drilled, ENG-Premier League. That argument around arteta choosing the wrong striker is senseless, it is baseless and its frustrating.
As soon as Sesko starts to amp up his goal tally or his detractors – imminent bandwagonist will get on board saying ‘..I told you he would do it’.
…starts to amp up his goal tally all his detractors…
It’s the same league Bas Dost scored 34 goals in. People need to let the scouts do their work. The club are united on getting Sesko over Gyokeres now. Also, we are not the only big club that is searching for a striker with Gyokeres not being the preferred choice. That says something as well.
Arteta’s methodology of bringing up promising players has denied him chances of taking trophies. He would have taken Victor Gyokeres because he is a finished product not WIP like Sesko
For some reason, I’m not bothered at all that we abandoned Gyokeres. Was never much of a fan of his despite the crimes he has committed with Sporting for two seasons now. Always said I preferred Osimhen to the rest. Sesko isn’t bad but I don’t know what immediate impact he would have given our current needs.
Makes sense to have 2 strikers who can score 20+, otherwise that is missing. What if we have one he gets injured or otherwise, we will be back to same excuse. Mbeumo, is decent back up need be.
i have watched the clips of both players and i can say Gyokeres is more clinical and more of a finisher than Sesko and he is wat arsenal need right now. if Arteta due to his defiant stubborness buys Sesko and we dont win anything then Arteta should be sacked. Simple. this season should be his last iof he goes trophyless. in fact if he does not carry Premier League, he should be sacked. simple. we did not give Unai Emery this much time at all. yet he took us to a final…
Makes sense to have 2 strikers who can score 20+, otherwise that is missing. What if we have one he gets injured or otherwise, we will be back to same excuse. Mbeumo, is decent back up if need be.
Arsenal owners have not understood Mikel Arteta’s character. He doesn’t want to work under any supervision. Edu resigned unceremoniously because of this. Arteta planted Harvetz as his informal, yet unsuccessful no. 9 and simply wants Sessko to cover him up. As a very young boy Sessko can’t complain but Gyokeres will not take that. Andre Berta is too mature to join Arteta so early in trying to assert himself. I pray it works for us now, otherwise Arteta will face an immediate sack if Arsenal fails next season.
If it is true that Arteta has chosen Sesko over Gyokeres, I support him because he will not have to worry about changing the entire system in order to fit in Gyokeres. Sesko would seamlessly be integrated into our system, he more of a team player than a target man
Whi is surprised at this development? Not me.
Just a couple of seasons ago, Arteta had the opportunity to sign Isak for about €60m. He said Isak wasn’t a proven striker because he didn’t have Premier League experience. Instead, he went and paid £65m for Havertz.
He’s making the same mistake again. He’s leaving out a 52 goal and 26 assist player who has proven his worth over several seasons in Portugal, same Portugal where a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, etc honed their horns. He wants to go get an injury-prone Sesko, planning for the longterm when what we need now is success now.
If this news is true, Arsenal and Arteta will get to regret their shortsightedness. And if end next season with neither the PL or CL trophies, the cry for his cry will intensify..
If it is true that Arteta has chosen Sesko over Gyokeres, I support him because he will not have to worry about changing the entire system in order to fit in Gyokeres. Sesko would seamlessly be integrated into our system, he more of a team player than a target man
Help me tell them pls my brother. At AFC, we needed an already cooked ready to eat STRIKER of Gyokores type not Sesko pls…Mikel!
Whoever is coming should come quickly please, that’s all that matters to me. I’m game with whoever the coaches settle for.
I will allow them do their job of managing the squad while I do mine of supporting the team.
No point splitting hairs over what I can’t control
Arteta seems confused. Moving three steps forward and two steps backward. I don’t see Arsenal winning any trophy soon. Arsenal needs three players that can score at least twenty goals per season each. Those who can shoot infront of the D area.
oh you didnt see gyokeres scored a hatrik on man city?. He is already pl fit player strong fast clinical restless to attak split deffenders as he want score goals from difficult spot good eye to assist others. sesko? i did not expect him to score goals like gyokeres 20+ goals a season. if not gyokeres pls go for isak! arteta!
Arteta has always wanted Sesko. I understand Berta admires Gyocores. If Arteta gets his way, then Sesko HAS to deliver, especially if Gyocores goes elsewhere and shines. I hope Berta is not going to be a sheep. He has more experience at getting successful players tha Arteta and thats what he is supposed to be here for.
Why is it waiting approval?
Arteta has always wanted Sesko. Berta as I understand is an admirer of Gyocores. I hope Berta is not going to be a sheep. He is better at identifying players than Arteta, he has proved that and that is his job. Plus if we do sign Sesko, he had better come up trumps next season, especially if Gyocores is burning it up elsewhere.
I can see arteta needs to be sacked when you are going for a striker there things you look out for which isn’t in sesko at all
A fighter sesko is a lazy tap in player kind of player who needs a lot supply to tap in, unlike gyokerez, he fights for the ball goes for the goal and assist as well. We need a trophy now now no playing games if we miss out on gyokerez I am calling for artetas sack by the end if the season. As for me there isn’t no difference between sesko and our harvez if we want to add we add someone different and vibrant. Instead of going for sesko I want gyokerez or Hugo ekitike
Why again is it wating approval?
Why does this coach take ages to decide what is good for the team ? I feel Johnathan was going to be the best striker to sign at zero cost and now Gyokerez was cheaper n now Sesko is high yet we need two strikers . Why ?????
For me Gyokeres did not sure evidence of interest in Arsenal he was more interested in following his former boss Amorim. So, it is wise of Arsenal to pull out and not bfe unnecessarily delayed.
Moreover, the qualities of Sesko are quite captivating. His height, his ability to score from outside the box etc.
Arteta and Bertea need our support for the deal to materialize.
We need an already developed striker not a potential one. We will finish second again…
Help us understand how it that with both players untested (to date) that you identify the one being ‘already developed’ while the other (ours) is not?
After my thoughts throughout the season all these years of MA, and reading your opinions, I can say that, Berta is not going to stamp his authority just immediately, but allow MA to dig his own grave, Sesko is promising but Arsenal needs Goals. We need Two goal machines in front, one on the wing for Martineli(man cannot dribble while blind, all those years I know I don’t need my eyes to score goals while I’m in the 18 yard line. Practice makes Perfect. ¿) We need to unCap Odegaard and sign a 10 that scores goals for fun, a 10 that can attract hate from opposing defenders. We need to give more chance to the Academy, there’s Gems and future World class littered there. Arteta goes at the end of the new coming season if, He wins FA cup and nothing else, 2. Wins nothing, Wins Carabao Cup and FA Cup and nothing else. He has literally used Arsenal FC as His practice Ground all these years, He wants to do it like Pep and say I didn’t need a striker. He wants to do it better than Klopp but these guys are not even in same planet as he is. MA is a very good coach but he lacks winning mentality and accumen.
Gyokerees seems to be torn between Mani,Chelsea and his current club psv that is already preparing a new construct for him to sign.
Getting Ssesko and probably Lookman would be a better deal for us.
Sesko is the main man…….Arteta must select who he wants not sport director
Arteta should sign sesko because he fits in de system of play like setpieces and heading more than gyokeres
Stupefied. Don’t know what to say Sesko over Gyokeres? I have always said it. Watch out Arsenal cannot win any major trophy with Arteta at the helm.
He’s already won a major trophy, the FA Cup !
No need to debate or spill any argument over the negative opinions, it’s all opinions at the end of the day. Someone even said above I don’t see arsenal winning anything soon, I thought the spirit of being a fan should be otherwise. I mean the focus on some positive if there is any.
Arteta will win anything with sesko piriod
I think arsenal need two clinical strikers,they don’t have depth,if Jesus is not going to start with the new season, is going to be a problem and he is going to take time for him to perform
Sesko isn’t bad just that him alone can’t help should we add Alvarez and Eze for example I believe a few more is even needed, Nico, Rafael Leo kudus Martinez Emi
Arsenal has always been the first to enter the Market and the last to leave without achieving much. This time around, the Management should ensure that substantial players are available if the club expects to compete favourably with the rest of the teams.
Sesko is good. He is 6ft+ a perfect player for set piece. Very fast on his feet for counter attacks.
Go for him Arteta.
I will be glad if Arsenal buy either Sesko or Gyokeres . No need 2 strikers . It’s hefty amount to pay and Jesus will soon be making a comeback . Mikel will manage that 2 strikers. Plus point Sesko is 6ft tall and we need someone like Giroud in the box. We have missed this sort of a player quite awhile. We were almost there winning the Epl or Champion League but some setback due injuries to key players. I am pretty confident with this beautiful football Arsenal is playing. Success soon.
Jasus is now firmly a bench player of last resort. Not convince either strikers will come to Arsenal with Arteta as manager
There’s something Arteta and those who peddle this notion of long-term prospects in football are missing. Football investment is not like foreign direct investment or manufacturing outfit. Investors in football are not investing to groom players, prospects or long-term solution players. Look at the young man, Miles-Skelly who just turned 18 and has been in the senior team for less than a year, he’s looking for better prospects and Real Madrid’s interest in him is a life-changing prospect that no player resists. Or Nwaneri; these are even younger than Sesko. So, signing a player like Sesko on the notion that he’ll be a long-term Arsenal player is a myopic evaluation of club success and players’ ambitions.
Every football club wants to win trophies in the next season and the victory attracts more players and success. There’s no way Barcelona, Real Madrid or any successful football club will retain a manager like Arteta who, in 5 years, has nothing to show for their investments. Many Arsenal fans believe that Arteta has no ambition for immediate success of the club. Again, it is a known fact that Americans are not as fanatical about football (soccer) success as Arab football investors. The former see football as an investment for profits than for immediate success in winning trophies. Yet, both are not mutually exclusive because trophies bring in more money and attract more quality players. Trophies are an eloquent index of club success and every ambitious player wants to identify with a club that has ambition to win trophies in the now or next season. Fans of a football club want immediate success because as John Maynard Keynes said “in the long run, we are all dead”. An immediate interpretation of this quote is to remind Arteta and Arsenal executives the futility of long-term thinking. Like every ambitious player, there’s nothing to suggest that Sesko will not be bought in the shortest possible time by Barcelona, RM or any other ambitious club. Arsenal has been seen as a breeding ground for young talents.
What should be uppermost in Arteta’s thinking and plan is to attract players who are established and will offer immediate response to winning the EPL in 2025/26 season and not about long-term solution. That’s what Pep Guardiola did when he joined Man City. In fact, that’s what successful managers do while gradually bringing in young talents from their academy or selling clubs like Arsenal. Why shouldn’t Arteta stand firm for young talents than easily capitulating the moment Barcelona or RM shows interest in an Arsenal player? Why can’t Arsenal tie players to very long contracts of say 6-7 years like Chelsea?
Arsenal fans need immediate solution to their striker problem. It’s ironic, isn’t it?, that Arteta wants Sane who’s almost 30 but thinks Gyokeres at 26 is too old or that his playing in a relatively junior league won’t replicate success at the EPL. Yet, he scored a hat-trick against Man City in the UEFA Champions league and will win the European Golden Boot. Yet Barcelona wants him and even wants Partey at 31. Again, Arteta has a way of looking down on players he thinks may not kowtow to his whims and uses untenable excuses to ward them off. He had the opportunity to buy Isak but he looked down on him and thought that his price was not worth the club he was. Today, he wants to buy him more than twice the price New Castle bought him. Yet, any club that signs Gyokeres now will oblige him with at least 4 years contract that will take him to 31. because they expect to extract more success from him in the foreseeable future. At 40, there are EPL teams that will want Ronaldo in their squad because of his performance not minding his age.
In sum, Arsenal board shouldn’t be aloof to their fans’ interest and desire to attract players who’ll engineer immediate success and not those who will use the club as a learning curve, which illustrates the relationship between experience and improvement. To be sure, if Barcelona or RM comes for Arteta as their manager, I bet he’ll not consider Arsenal’s long-term interest or prospects. He’ll jump at the opportunity to manage such a highly competitive and successful club. Every human being is opportunistic, manager or player. So, Arteta should stop playing this game of long-term politics of buying players he thinks he can control rather than successful players who can stand their ground when a manager appears consumed by his opportunism.