BREAKING NEWS: Two reasons Benjamin Sesko to Arsenal could collapse despite being ‘nearly done’ – As Mikel Arteta set to find the actual alternative before next week
BREAKING NEWS: Two reasons Benjamin Sesko to Arsenal could collapse despite being ‘nearly done’ – As Mikel Arteta set to find the actual alternative before next week
Arsenal are expected to sign a striker in the summer transfer window, but could face a dilemma over which of their top targets to sign.
The Gunners have fallen well short of expectations in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta’s side are 15 points behind champions Liverpool and face a fight to hold on to second place ahead of their game against Newcastle United this weekend
The majority of blame has centred around Arsenal’s failure to recruit a striker, either last summer or in the January window. The problem was exacerbated by injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko has been among the leading names linked with filling the void, but two issues could prevent him from sealing a move to the Emirates Stadium
The Independent has reported that Arsenal are still deciding between a move for Sesko or Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres. The latter has continued his fine form in Portugal, with 52 goals in 50 appearances, while Sesko has netted 21 times for an underperforming Leipzig side.
Sesko, 21, is five years younger than Gyokeres and could represent better value for Arsenal’s money and be a long-term solution to their number nine issue. However, the Sporting striker is considered closer to a finished product and is reportedly available for around £60million.
Moreover, Andrea Berta joining the Gunners as sporting director has reportedly led to renewed interest in ex-Coventry City talisman Gyokeres. This is despite the Independent claiming that Arsenal have already done the majority of the work needed to bring Sesko to north London.
The Slovenia international emerged as an Arsenal target last summer. However, a move failed to materialise, as the Gunners were unwilling to advance before Eddie Nketiah completed his transfer to Crystal Palace.
By that time, Sesko had penned a contract extension with Leipzig, who could end the season without European football. Sesko’s agent Elvis Basanovic previously defended the decision to keep his client at the Bundesliga club.
During the January transfer window, Basanovic was asked if Sesko would solve Arsenal’s striker problem. “I think you should ask Mr. Arteta about that. But I think Sesko could suit many clubs because he has different football skills,” he told Slovenian TV channel Arena Sport.
Basanovic explained why Sekso signed a new deal, saying: “We can see that our decision was correct. Six months later, he is already a better striker than he was last season.
“What he lacks is experience. We must not forget that he is only 21 years old, so we did not want him to go to the Premier League in the summer
