Arsenal's Shocking Transfer U-Turn: Why They Abandoned Sesko Chase for Gyokeres
Cost emerged as a crucial element in Arsenal's choice to pursue Viktor Gyökeres over Benjamin Šeško during the summer transfer window, according to reports from Germany.
These two imposing forwards have been widely regarded as Arsenal's primary transfer targets throughout a summer filled with speculation about acquiring a new striker in north London. Šeško, the 21-year-old RB Leipzig attacker, still possesses room for growth, while Gyökeres, who is five years older, demonstrates remarkable scoring statistics for Sporting CP in the competitive Portuguese league.
When weighing up future potential against proven goal-scoring ability, Arsenal's decision was influenced by the financial demands for each player, according to Sky Germany.
RB Leipzig remained firm on their €100 million (£86.3 million, $117.8 million) valuation for Šeško, despite the player costing just a quarter of that amount two years prior. Portuguese media suggests that Arsenal have secured an agreement totaling €80 million (£69.1 million, $94.2 million) for Gyökeres, featuring an initial payment of €65 million (£56.1 million, $76.5 million) enhanced by the forward's reported readiness to reduce a portion of his wages.
Benjamin Sesko vs. Viktor Gyokeres Stats
Stat (2024–25 League) | Benjamin Šeško | Viktor Gyökeres |
|---|---|---|
Appearances | 33 | 33 |
Goals (non-penalty) | 13 (11) | 39 (27) |
Assists | 5 | 7 |
Shots | 66 | 127 |
Chances created | 19 | 61 |
Stats via FBref.
Arsenal have reportedly agreed on contract terms with Gyökeres and are extensively reported to be close to announcing their first permanent signing of a traditional striker since Gabriel Jesus arrived from Manchester City in 2022.
Gyökeres's exceptional numbers are barely matched by Europe's elite strikers, far exceeding the modest output Šeško managed for an RB Leipzig team that exited the Champions League in the first round and finished seventh in the Bundesliga. Nevertheless, critics often question Gyökeres's accomplishments by highlighting the standard of competition in Portugal's premier division.
Sporting's powerful striker netted 17 goals against the league's four weakest teams alone. According to Opta's worldwide rankings, these clubs were positioned beyond the top 590 teams globally. To put this in context, English third-division side Stevenage holds the 589th position in these same rankings.