Arsenal have ramped up talks with Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres after negotiations with Benjamin Sesko hit an dead end. Manager Mikel Arteta is determined to reinforce his attacking options this summer, and with the Sesko deal growing increasingly unlikely, attention has firmly shifted to Gyokeres.
Gunners shift focus to Sporting star Viktor Gyokeres
Throughout the transfer window, Arsenal’s interest has oscillated between Sesko and Gyokeres. However, recent developments suggest that Gyokeres is now the frontrunner in the Gunners’ search for a new centre-forward.
The north London club has reportedly reached an agreement on personal terms with the Swedish international, bringing them closer to finalising a deal with the Portuguese side.
Sesko talks collapse over price and terms
The pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko appears to be over. According to The Independent, Arsenal have walked away from the deal due to the Bundesliga club’s hefty £69 million valuation.
Reports suggest Arsenal were £9 million short of meeting Leipzig’s demand, and the proposed deal structure failed to convince the club’s decision-makers.
Additionally, Arsenal encountered difficulties in agreeing on personal terms with the Slovenian striker. The breakdown in negotiations prompted technical director Andrea Berta to withdraw interest in the player.
Agent Speaks Out on Sesko Speculation
Sesko’s agent, Elvis Basanovic, commented on the ongoing speculation during an interview with Give Me Sport, suggesting that Sesko remained focused and was never in direct competition with other forwards.
Let me tell you: Sesko is not competing with anyone. It's him vs him every day. We have a clear plan for the future and media speculation doesn't affect us. Sesko is not just a striker, he is a special striker, said Basanovic.
He also addressed the respectful manner in which they plan to handle any future moves, stating:
Even if there may be – or will be – a strong desire of the player to move to a certain club, we will never force or blackmail RB Leipzig. I believe this is not the right way, because the way you actually exit from the club shows your values. Values that you are bringing into a new club.
Arsenal face time pressure ahead of pre-season tour
With the squad set to embark on their pre-season tour to Singapore on July 19, Arteta is pushing to finalize a striker signing before departure. The urgency means that Arsenal are prioritising a swift resolution in their negotiations with Sporting Lisbon to secure Gyokeres’ signature in the coming days.
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