Arsenal were linked with both Benjamin Šeško and Viktor Gyökeres as they searched for a new striker this summer. While Šeško was seen as a long-term prospect, Arsenal ultimately shifted their focus and reached an agreement with Sporting CP for Gyökeres.
Šeško, currently at RB Leipzig, decided to stay and continue his development in the Bundesliga.
Despite strong interest from Arsenal, the 21-year-old reportedly wasn’t ready to leave, and his high release clause made the deal more difficult.
According to Sky Sports, he turned down the chance to move this summer.
In contrast, Gyökeres had just completed an impressive season at Sporting CP, scoring 54 goals in all competitions.
The Swedish striker was seen as someone ready to deliver immediately. Arsenal reportedly agreed a deal worth €71.3 million, including add-ons, as reported by TalkSport. Gyökeres also helped push the transfer forward by waiving €2 million in unpaid wages to make the move happen.
His style of play—physical, hard-working, and clinical—fits well with Mikel Arteta’s system and the demands of Premier League football.
While Šeško is clearly a player for the future, Arsenal opted for Gyökeres based on experience, availability, and immediate impact.
As always, all transfer details are based on publicly available reports and are subject to official confirmation by the club.
