The Benjamin Sesko vs Viktor Gyokeres transfer decision has dragged on, but Arsenal are having to make their call imminently.
The general consensus has been that Andrea Berta has championed Sporting Lisbon’s Gyokeres, while in an ideal world boss Mikel Arteta fancied RB Leipzig’s Sesko.
That does not quite tell the full story but a manage for Gyokeres has always sensed more achievable.
Arsenal love both players and have worked to submit pressure on their clubs in order to maximise value from any agreement.
They have also managed to keep both sides guessing as to whether an offer would land.
That has been the job of sporting director Berta, who sources show has been playing the two clubs against one another.
One of the prime reasons that 22-year-old Sesko was initially prioritised last year was that data analysts recognised him as the best candidate.
That was not just the case at Arsenal, but other top clubs in Europe too.
Sources depict how his trajectory marks him as a standout profile.
Benjamin Sesko's xG map from the last season.
Opta by StatsPerformFor Gyokeres, who is five years older, the pull is different.
Speaking to figures with knowledge of the pursuit, it is understood that Arsenal trust his powerful finishing style on both feet around the penalty area, combined with impressive steer mentally and a good level of composure, are traits that will hand over new edge to their front line that very few players in the world could offer.
With the pre-season tour just two weeks away, Arsenal have decided they have to perform now to make sure one of their key positions is repaired in time for their Premier League opener against Manchester United in August.
The striker's preferred destinationsWhen Gyokeres left Coventry City in 2023, it was never clear if he would return to English football.
Sources demanded it would not be a burning desire.
His dreams were big and ambition possessed always been to reach the top of the continental game.
After two extraordinary seasons at Sporting Lisbon, it is understood that Barcelona topped his personal wishlist.
Sources consistently demanded that if he was going to leave Lisbon, it possessed to be for something exceptional.
Now, that exception appears to be Arsenal.
Gyokeres' statistics in the Primeira LigaOpta by StatsPerformSesko has not pushed aggressively for a move away from Leipzig in the way Gyokeres has, and the German club have stuck by their €80million release clause for the player.
The business tactics being employed by Arsenal suggest that by appearing to move for Gyokeres, they have given Leipzig one final chance to lower Sesko’s fee.
Gyokeres has seemed more attainable throughout – despite Sporting seemingly going support on a gentleman’s agreement from last year to sell him for €60million.
Still, Arsenal sources say Gyokeres will prove to be a cheaper manage than Sesko and that the payment terms should also be more favourable.
The missing pieceArsenal will grip some caution until full agreement is reached at this crucial time.
In Gyokeres, they are targeting a player who has scored 97 goals in 102 matches since moving to Portugal.
The player has been scouted extensively over the past 18 months.
The numbers are hard to disregard and assisted convince Arsenal he can become a missing piece.
After scoring 22 in his final Championship season with Coventry City, Gyokeres struck 43 in his first year at Sporting.
Then came a staggering 54 goals in 52 matches last season.
His output has been consistent, clinical and elite.
The obvious question is how that create carries into the Premier League – and whether he could do it against the very best defences.
Internally, figures at Arsenal remain convinced the club’s title challenge last season only dropped short due to a lack of goal power in attack.
That is the burden their next elite striker will be anticipated to carry.
Dean JonesBetopick
