Follow @Mike_ThePundit on X for more expert analysis.
There’s a whiteboard somewhere in North London. One striker’s name is written in capital letters: VIKTOR GYÖKERES. Right next to it, circled three times in red, BENJAMIN ŠEŠKO.
That statement was fictional; the reality is that Arsenal have a decision to make on both names. The decision that could define their 2025/26 season and even beyond.
It’s not a routine transfer window move, but the kind that forces clubs to declare what they are and what they want to become.
New tournament. Same goal ?
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) May 20, 2025
Bet9ja are proud to be the official sponsor of @NGSuperEagles 2025 AFCON campaign!
Let’s Do It Again, Super Eagles ??? pic.twitter.com/4V91lWcCSN
Arsenal’s summer pursuit of a No.?9 has narrowed to two both distinct stars: 27-year old Gyökeres, and 22-year-old Sesko.
Both strikers offer goals, and according to reports, both would cost close to £70–90 million. And both could be the difference between Arsenal finishing second again or finally lifting the English League trophy.
Viktor Gyökeres has annihilated defences in Portugal. Having smashed 97 goals in 102 matches for Sporting Lisbon, including 39 in the Primeira Liga last season, he also came second behind Kylian Mbappe in the European Golden Boot race. At 27, there’s no mystery about his ceiling, he scores, consistently, and thrives under pressure. He’s athletic, combative, and a natural finisher.
At 27, Gyökeres is at his peak. He’s a statement signing. A player who could walk into the Emirates and start from day one. He also has prior EFL Championship and English experience from his time at Coventry, almost single handily dragging them to the play-off final, adding an element of safety to his transition if Arsenal gets to sign him.
Šeško, though, is a different story. He’s a project, but a tantalising one. At RB Leipzig, he finished last season with 22 goals. The Slovenian is tall, mobile, and deceptively technical. He glides across the pitch, offering runs in behind that could stretch the most organised low block. At 6’5, he wins aerial duels, but he also presses with intent and makes smart third-man runs.
On the financial side of things, neither striker comes cheap. Reports have it that Sporting are sticking close to Gyökeres’ release clause, reported to be around £85m. There was some brief optimism in May that a fee closer to £60m could get the deal done, but those conversations have cooled. There’s also talk of tension behind the scenes, with Gyökeres’ camp believing they had a gentleman’s agreement with Sporting to allow a move if the right offer came in. Sporting, predictably, deny it.
With Šeško, the deal is more straightforward. Leipzig are reportedly open to a deal around £55–60m. Arsenal have been in talks with his representatives for weeks, and there are suggestions that personal terms are already agreed. What helps Arsenal here is their growing reputation as a club where young players thrive. Think of what they’ve done with Saka, Saliba, Martinelli. That matters to a player like Šeško.
On the tactical side of things, Arteta’s Arsenal are precise. Every piece of the puzzle has to fit. His team dominates possession, presses high, and looks to suffocate teams into submission. They need a forward who can do more than just score.
No surprises as Sweden hot-shot Viktor Gyökeres was named UEFA Nations League top scorer ???
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) June 9, 2025
Where will he end up this summer?
pic.twitter.com/9BqJWqFq4p
Gyökeres ticks plenty of boxes. He can hold the ball up, pin defenders, and bring others into play. He offers a more traditional number 9 profile, which Arsenal have arguably lacked since Olivier Giroud left. Think about those low-block away games in February. Would Gyökeres have found a goal when Arsenal kept knocking on the door but couldn’t find a way through?
Šeško is more dynamic in transition. He suits a game state where Arsenal are countering, or when space opens up. He might not be as effective with his back to goal, but he moves like a winger in a striker’s body. For all the talk of him being raw, he’s also clever. His off-the-ball movement is already better than many seasoned forwards.
So, who should Arsenal go for?
In truth, there’s no wrong answer here. But the right answer depends on the question Arsenal are asking themselves.
What matters is that Arsenal needs a proper striker for next season, and if they can even get both, why not? Afterall they won’t be the first.
Will Arsenal sign Gyokeres this summer? Bet on that and all the latest transfers right here at Bet9ja!
