Gyokeres’ Scoring Prowess vs. Sesko’s High Potential: Who Should Arsenal Prioritize This Summer?

Arsenal’s Striker Hunt: Gyokeres vs. Sesko
(Image: Arsenal’s squad celebrating a goal, captioned “Arsenal aim to bolster attack after narrow title miss.”)

Arsenal’s quest for a Premier League title hinges on signing a top striker this summer. With Mikel Arteta’s side falling short again due to inconsistent finishing, Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres (26) and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko (21) are top targets. Both offer distinct advantages, leaving the club torn.

The Case for Benjamin Sesko
Sesko has been a long-term Arsenal target. The Slovenian nearly joined last year but hesitated over playing time. Since then, he’s scored 26 goals for club and country in 2024-25, showcasing his potential. At 21, his ceiling is sky-high, and his career trajectory—meticulously planned through Red Bull’s Salzburg and Leipzig systems—aligns with Arsenal’s youth-focused strategy.

(Image: Sesko celebrating a goal for Leipzig, captioned “Sesko’s blend of height and agility makes him a rising star.”)

Sesko excels in versatility, scoring with both feet and his head. Of his 21 goals for Leipzig this season, only six were penalties, and he thrived despite the team’s struggles (7th in Bundesliga). However, his Champions League record (6 goals in 28 games) raises questions, though Arsenal believe his physicality and Bundesliga experience make him ready to shine.

The Case for Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres, meanwhile, is a late bloomer. After underwhelming at Brighton and flourishing at Coventry, he exploded at Sporting Lisbon with 97 goals in 102 games. His 54-goal 2024-25 campaign—including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League—has made him Europe’s most sought-after striker.

(Image: Gyokeres in action for Sporting, captioned “Gyokeres’ prolific form has put Arsenal on high alert.”)

Despite his electric numbers, concerns linger. Twenty of his goals this season were penalties, and his lone Premier League stint (at Brighton) was forgettable. Arsenal also noted his quiet performance in Sporting’s 5-1 defeat to them in Europe. At 27, his resale value is lower than Sesko’s, but his £70m price tag is slightly more manageable than Sesko’s £92.5m valuation.

Key Comparisons

• Age/Experience: Sesko (21) offers long-term potential; Gyokeres (27) is in his prime.
• Goal Rate: Gyokeres scores every 79 minutes vs. Sesko’s 156.
• League Pedigree: Sesko’s Bundesliga experience edges Gyokeres’ Primeira Liga dominance.
• Finances: Gyokeres is cheaper, but Sesko’s resale value could offset the initial cost.

(Image: Side-by-side stats graphic, captioned “Sesko vs. Gyokeres: A statistical showdown.”)

Verdict
While Gyokeres’ numbers are irresistible, Sesko’s age, adaptability, and proven growth in a top league give him the edge. Arsenal’s history of nurturing young talent—like Bukayo Saka and William Saliba—suggests Sesko could thrive under Arteta. However, Gyokeres’ immediate impact might appeal to a squad craving a clinical finisher.

(Image: Arteta coaching, captioned “Arteta faces a pivotal summer transfer decision.”)

With Champions League football secured and financial flexibility, Arsenal’s choice will define their title ambitions. For now, Sesko appears the smarter bet, blending potential with readiness—a gamble that could finally bridge the gap to glory.