Arsenal Missed a £50m Trick: Sesko Snub Could Haunt Gunners Amid Gyokeres Standstill
Arsenal may be left kicking themselves. A golden chance slipped through their fingers last summer — and now it’s starting to sting.
The Gunners were deep into talks to land Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig just a year ago. A £50million deal was on the table. The Slovenian striker was available. The timing was right. But nothing materialised. And now, that decision looks increasingly costly.
With Mikel Arteta still scrambling to solve his striker puzzle, Arsenal’s focus turned to Sporting CP hitman Viktor Gyokeres. But hopes of a quick deal have hit a wall — and it’s a steep one.
Reports suggest Sporting want £60million upfront for the Swede, plus another £8million in add-ons. A huge ask. Especially when you remember Arsenal could’ve wrapped up a deal for Sesko for much less.
“The Independent, however, say a deal could have been agreed for just £50million (€58m).”
That ship has sailed. Sesko stayed in Germany, signed a new deal, and delivered 21 goals across all competitions last season. His market value? Now hovering between £69m and £86m. A sharp rise that puts him out of reach — at least for now.
Arsenal’s title hopes last season crumbled in part due to a misfiring attack. Injuries didn’t help. A lack of clinical edge proved costly, and Liverpool made them pay — racing to a 20th league crown.
Arteta knew what he needed: a reliable goalscorer. That’s why Sesko was such a priority. Now, with the Gyokeres deal stalling, the Emirates boss might be wondering why more wasn’t done to push the Sesko deal over the line.
“It would also have been more cost-effective…”
Indeed, not only would Sesko have filled a pressing need last season, but he would’ve done so at a significantly lower cost than what Sporting now demand for Gyokeres.
Convincing Sesko now? A tall order. He’s well aware Arsenal are only circling again because their Plan A has fallen apart.
Still, he was always the top target. But whether that bridge is now burned remains to be seen.
Gyokeres, meanwhile, is reportedly open to the move. In fact, he’s eager. The 27-year-old Swede, formerly of Coventry City, is said to have no interest in turning out for Sporting again.
“Personal terms for a five-year contract with Gyokeres are already agreed upon…”
But money talks — and so far, both clubs are speaking different languages. Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta even flew to Portugal in a bid to close the deal. No dice.
The clock is ticking. Arsenal are preparing for their pre-season tour to Singapore on July 19. Arteta wants the squad settled and firing. Fast.
So far, it’s been a busy window. Martin Zubimendi has arrived from Real Sociedad. Kepa Arrizabalaga’s signed from Chelsea. Brentford captain Christian Norgaard is also expected through the door soon.
But none of them are a striker. And without that cutting edge, the Gunners risk facing the same old problems next season.
Sesko could have been the answer. Now? Arsenal may be left wondering what might have been.
