‘Benjamin Sesko transfer issues for Arsenal after key relationships lost’

Mikel Arteta appears to be trying to fix their striker problems this summer, with RB Leipzig hotshot Benjamin Sesko linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, while Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres is a Gunners’ target causing a split behind the scenes.

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (1 July) that the Gunners are still negotiating potential deals to sign either Sesko or Gyokeres, and are believed to be considering which will be the best value for money based on the cost of wages and the overall fee.

The likes of Liverpool and City have being major plays in the window while they have stalled over a striker signing, however, and Arsenal’s pursuit of Leipzig man Sesko now looks to have hit a stumbling block.

Andrea Berta arrival has made Sesko deal ‘harder than expected’

While little progress has been made in terms of major signings at Arsenal, it has been all change off the pitch recently, with long-time sporting director Edu placed on gardening leave in November before officially departing in April, while his assistant and then interim replacement Jason Ayto departed in May.

Football Insider revealed in March that Arsenal were set to appoint Andrea Berta as their new sporting director, and he was officially announced in the role at the end of that month.

Berta’s impressive tenure at Atletico Madrid was what pushed the Gunners to bring him in, but BBC Sport have now revealed that his presence at the Emirates Stadium could be to the detriment of their transfer business with Sesko.

They state that the Leipzig forward’s agent, Elvis Basanovic, was understood to have developed a strong relationship with both Edu and Ayto, yet with each now gone and Berta leading the negotiations at the Emirates Stadium, those nurtured relationships are non-existent and it seems that both parties are back to square one.

The BBC’s sources have indicated there is still no agreement between the 22-year-old and Arsenal, let alone the two clubs, and striking a deal for Sesko has proved “significantly harder than expected” for the Gunners this summer.

Arsenal should prioritise Gyokeres’ capture over Sesko this summer

Football Insider verdict

Arsenal’s striker struggles were on show for all to see last season, with midfielder Mikel Merino spending a large part of the campaign as a makeshift number nine following injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

The BBC’s new report claims that Arsenal are understood to have made headway with a potential move for Gyokeres in recent days, amid their Sesko struggles, and the Sweden international is understood to be very keen to join the Gunners from Sporting this summer.

Arsenal should simply pursue a deal for Gyokeres over Sesko in the coming weeks, as they need to solve their centre-forward problems as soon as possible to give their new addition ample time to settle in before the season starts and the pressure is on next month.

The Swede is five years older than Sesko, at 27, but his outstanding scoring record in Portugal and the fact he already has experience of playing in English football from his time with Brighton, Swansea City and Coventry City, means his capture should be made a priority by the club if they wish to compete for the title again next term.

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