Arsenal’s focus on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko means their pursuit of Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is at a standstill, according to a report.
As widely reported over the last week or so, Arsenal are advancing in talks over the signing of Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.
Fabrizio Romano reports that negotiations will continue early next week, with further contact planned. Sesko is keen on the move and tempted by Arsenal’s project, though there are no agreements in place yet.
But what does that mean for Viktor Gyokeres, who has also been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal to fill the same centre-forward position?
According to Romano, the situation involving Gyokeres is still not developing, with Arsenal’s focus on Sesko. The Gunners are yet to place an official bid for the Sporting striker, or to reach any sort of agreement with the player.
The reporter doesn’t entirely rule out a transfer, suggesting Gyokeres is still on Arsenal’s shortlist if their move for Sesko doesn’t pan out. But Sesko is clearly the priority.
Gyokeres has been the more prolific goalscorer of the two players this season, scoring 54 goals to Sesko’s 21. But there are a few major caveats to that output.
For a start, 27-year-old Gyokeres has scored 19 penalties to 22-year-old Sesko’s four. Then there’s the fact he’s playing in the Liga Portugal, whilst Sesko plays in the more competitive Bundesliga.
There are also concerns at how easily Gyokeres could maintain his goalscoring form at another club. He’s clearly a strong finisher who excels in transition, but perhaps not someone who can break open a game against a static defence.
The Sporting striker didn’t score a single header in 2024/25, whilst Sesko scored three, seemingly making the latter striker a better fit for Arsenal’s strength on crosses and set-pieces.
Those are all likely factors in Arsenal stepping up their pursuit of Sesko whilst leaving a deal for Gyokeres on hold, at least for now.