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Feature
- 7 hours ago
Gyokeres or bust! Ornstein reveals Arsenal's Sesko 'reservations'
Tom Weber
- Updated: 13 May 2025 15:40 BST
- 5 min read
News
Arsenal have reservations about signing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, according to David Ornstein.
The Gunners are scrambling to add a No.9 to their squad after a season that has, on the whole, been quite disappointing. Even though Mikel Arteta and company reached the Champions League semi-final, they have once again failed to get over the hump domestically and internationally.
Current ETV
Viktor Gyökeres
F (C)
Sporting CP
Viktor Gyökeres
F (C)
Sporting CP
ETV Range
€67.5M - €82.5M
After another campaign without major silverware, Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta are determined to build a team that is capable of achieving tangible success on the biggest stage.
To that end, a reliable centre-forward is required. Since the appointment of Berta, Arsenal have started going all-in on Sporting CP sharpshooter Viktor Gyokeres, but David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that there is still the risk of Man Utd getting involved.
Missing out on the Swede could be a hammer blow to Arsenal because his compatriot Alexander Isak - Arteta's dream target - is unattainable, while the Gunners have also somewhat cooled their interest in erstwhile top target Benjamin Sesko.
Arsenal have Sesko 'reservations'
The North London giants' interest in the RB Leipzig striker was primarily driven by former recruitment chief Edu, who laid a lot of groundwork for a future move last summer before Sesko ultimately decided to remain in Germany for another year.
Under Berta, Arsenal are keen to add proven, elite players who can help them win now, whereas a move for Sesko would be betting on potential. Moreover, the Slovenian's variable release clause has exceeded the €80 million mark, so he would be more expensive than Gyokeres.
As such, it comes as little surprise that Ornstein reports that Arsenal now have 'reservations' about signing Sesko. “Arsenal’s recruitment plans are vast, and at the top of the list is a number nine," Ornstein confirmed during an appearance on NBC.
"There are fewer of them on the market than they would like, but there are some options. Alexander Isak, of course, Arsenal and Mikel Arteta really like him. But I don’t think that’s realistic for them or anybody else.
“Let’s see if Newcastle finish in the Champions League or not, even if they don’t and he’s available for sale, it will be a huge price, and I don’t think that is realistic.
“So then they look at the likes of Benjamin Sesko, who they’ve done a lot of work on, but I do think they do have some reservations around him, maybe on the price, maybe on the player. Let’s see, he remains in the mix.”
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