EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal in Gyokeres talks but Sesko remains top target

Steve Kay

• 20 Dec 2024 19:00 GMT
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Arsenal remain in negotiations to sign Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres, although RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko is currently their top target, FootballTransfers has been told.

Mikel Arteta is eager to sign a new number nine in 2025 and we understand that Sesko remains the Spaniard’s preferred option.

Sesko was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium during the most recent summer transfer window, but he opted to sign a contract extension at RB Leipzig amid significant interest from a number of top Premier League clubs.

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Despite this, an exit is deemed a possibility next summer, and Arsenal are monitoring his situation as they look to bring a new centre forward to the club.

However, FootballTransfers has also been informed that Arsenal remain in contact with Sporting CP star Gyokeres, with the Sweden international looking to secure a transfer during the 2025 summer transfer window.

Sporting are expected to sell the 26-year-old for a fee of around €65 million, and Newcastle United are set to rival Arsenal in the race to sign him.

We have been told that playing time assurances will be crucial for the Sweden forward, although he is determined to join a club who can offer Champions League football - which could prove a major hurdle for Eddie Howe’s side.

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Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal?

Sesko remains Arteta’s priority centre forward target, but we have been informed that Arsenal will shift their focus entirely to Gyokeres if there is another setback in their pursuit of the RB Leipzig ace.

Since joining Sporting from Coventry City for a measly fee of €24m last year, Gyokeres has scored 70 goals in 75 appearances for the Portuguese giants, including a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City in early November.

Gyokeres’ current contract at Sporting is due to expire in 2028, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) now stands at a career high of €55.7m.