Arsenal are back in the market for a clinical striker this summer, and the race appears to be narrowing down to two European sensations: Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko. Both forwards present compelling cases to lead the line at the Emirates Stadium, but Mikel Arteta and Bertha must make a decision that could shape the club’s trajectory for years to come. With different profiles, career paths, and performance patterns, this transfer dilemma goes far beyond statistics. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of Arsenal’s two main striker targets under five key themes.
Proven Power vs Promising Potential
Gyokeres arrives on the back of a sensational season at Sporting Lisbon, netting an astonishing 39 league goals—more than double his closest challenger in the Primeira Liga. His physicality, relentless pressing, and ability to bulldoze past defenders make him a traditional No. 9 who thrives on chaos in the final third. At 26, the Swedish striker is in the peak of his career and brings an immediate threat that could transform Arsenal’s frontline.
Sesko, in contrast, is the epitome of modern striker development. At just 21 years old, the Slovenian starlet has been gradually rising through the Red Bull development model, showing flashes of brilliance at Salzburg and now at RB Leipzig. Though he finished with fewer goals than Gyokeres, his xG and goal conversion metrics suggest a striker who is efficient, calculated, and has plenty of room to grow. Arsenal’s track record of investing in youth, as seen with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, may work in Sesko’s favour.
Adaptability and English Experience
One of Gyokeres’ underrated assets is his familiarity with English football. His stint at Coventry City in the Championship yielded 40 goals across two seasons—impressive numbers given the league’s physical demands. That experience means less acclimatisation time if he were to return to England, and his maturity could allow him to immediately adapt to Arsenal’s high-intensity, possession-based system.
Sesko, meanwhile, has never played in England and remains an unknown quantity in that regard. While his Bundesliga performances have been promising, the Premier League represents a significant leap in pace, physicality, and pressure. Although he’s technically gifted and positionally intelligent, there’s a risk factor in betting on potential over proven ability. Yet Arsenal have previously made such gambles—and been rewarded handsomely.
European Pedigree and Big-Game Mentality
While neither forward plays for a European superpower, both have tested themselves on the continental stage. Gyokeres’ six Champions League goals make him the 13th highest scorer in the competition—respectable for a player at a non-favourite club. His standout moment came with a hat-trick against Manchester City, highlighting his capacity to deliver on the biggest nights. Still, critics point out that outside such performances, his European record is relatively modest.
Sesko, though part of a struggling Leipzig side, managed to maintain a strong xG per 90 minutes—comparable to the likes of Lautaro Martinez. His 0.48 non-penalty xG places him just above Gyokeres, and unlike the Swede, Sesko’s numbers indicate consistent chance creation and smart movement against high-level opposition. If Arsenal are planning for longevity in both domestic and European competitions, Sesko’s metrics could be more promising in the long run.
Tactical Suitability and System Fit
Arteta’s Arsenal operates with a fluid front three and a creative No. 8 often pushing forward—recently Kai Havertz. This system demands a striker who can not only finish but also link play, press aggressively, and adapt to positional rotations. Gyokeres ticks the pressing and finishing boxes, but questions remain about his creativity and interplay in tight spaces. He’s a battering ram, which might limit the team’s fluidity against compact defences.
Sesko, on the other hand, shows signs of being a more complete striker. He’s improved in his link-up play, drawing defenders to create space for wide runners, and has increased his assist contributions. While not as physically dominant as Gyokeres, his off-ball intelligence could make him a better long-term fit in Arsenal’s evolving tactical blueprint.
Long-Term Vision vs Immediate Impact
Ultimately, Arsenal’s decision could hinge on their short- and long-term ambitions. If the 2024/25 season is seen as a title-or-bust campaign, then the raw firepower of Gyokeres—53 goals in all competitions—makes a compelling case. His age and current form suggest a plug-and-play option who could instantly elevate the Gunners’ title challenge.
But if the club sticks with its recent philosophy of building around young, high-upside talent, Sesko is the logical choice. At 21, he could be moulded into a world-class striker, offering longevity and resale value. His career trajectory mirrors that of players like Erling Haaland—albeit on a smaller scale—making him a tantalising project for Arteta to develop.
The Answer Lies in Arsenal’s Ambition
There is no clear wrong answer between Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko. Both players bring strengths that address Arsenal’s current need for a No. 9, but the choice ultimately reflects the club’s strategic direction. Gyokeres is the solution for a team aiming to win now, while Sesko aligns with a vision of sustainable dominance through youth.
If Arsenal want immediate glory, Gyokeres may be the man. But if they believe their current squad can support a young striker’s development and still remain competitive, then Benjamin Sesko is their next great gamble—and potentially their biggest reward.
