In a summer where Arsenal are expected to go all-in on a marquee striker, Mikel Arteta has now made his long-awaited choice — and it’s set to shake up the Premier League transfer window.
Since taking the reins at the Emirates in 2019, Arteta has been surprisingly reserved in the striker market. Gabriel Jesus was the only recognized number nine he brought in — and even that signing came two years ago. Kai Havertz, despite his talent, was never meant to be the leading man up front. Originally envisioned as a number eight, Havertz was shifted to striker out of necessity, but even Arsenal’s most loyal supporters wouldn’t call him a natural finisher.
Now, with ambitions of going toe-to-toe with Manchester City once again, Arteta wants a true predator in front of goal. According to inside sources, Arsenal’s shortlist for the coveted role had been trimmed down to two major names: Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig and Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP.
Here’s where the twist comes in — Arteta’s preference has always been crystal clear, despite the double-barreled pursuit being orchestrated by Arsenal’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta. Berta, trying to keep rival clubs guessing and the market in check, was simultaneously laying groundwork for both targets.
But the cat’s out of the bag now.
Portuguese journalist Sebastiao Sousa-Pinto, known for his deep Sporting CP connections, has thrown cold water on rumors that Arsenal made an offer for Gyokeres. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sousa-Pinto clarified:
> “Arsenal nunca fez uma proposta ao Sporting por Viktor Gyökeres, apesar das notícias… a prioridade de Arteta sempre foi Sesko.”
Translation? “Arsenal have never made a bid for Gyokeres despite the headlines. Arteta’s priority has always been Sesko.”
That revelation has stunned Gunners fans and reignited excitement about the club’s transfer strategy. Sesko, long admired by Arsenal, now sits atop the wishlist, with Gyokeres kept on standby — only if negotiations collapse.
While fans are now daring to dream about a lethal frontline powered by the towering Slovenian, things aren’t as straightforward as they seem. Arsenal are reportedly reluctant to meet RB Leipzig’s newly inflated asking price for Sesko, and TBR Football warns that a second rejection could be looming after the player snubbed them last summer.
Still, Arteta’s unwavering commitment to Sesko suggests that the manager sees something special — perhaps even the kind of striker who could evolve into a Premier League superstar within a few seasons.
Meanwhile, some Arsenal fans still fantasize about a blockbuster swoop for Alexander Isak. But inside the club, there’s little hope that Newcastle United — and Eddie Howe, in particular — will allow the Swede to leave. All indications are that Newcastle will stand firm.
That makes Sesko not just Plan A — but the only viable path forward for Arteta’s frontline revolution.
As for Kai Havertz, don’t expect him to be sidelined entirely. Arteta reportedly still sees the German as essential to the team’s tactical fluidity. With Sesko learning the Premier League ropes and adapting to Arsenal’s system, Havertz could form a dynamic partnership up top.
So while the story of Arsenal’s striker hunt may still have chapters left to unfold, one thing is no longer up for debate: Mikel Arteta has always known who he wants. And now the world does too.
