Viktor Gyokeres has dropped a fresh Arsenal transfer hint with Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta’s summer transfer plans becoming clearer.
football.london understands that the Gunners are aiming to sign a striker, wide forward, defender and back-up goalkeeper. The first priority however, will be putting the final touches on a move for Martin Zubimendi with confirmation of his £51million move from Real Sociedad expected imminently.
Once that switch has been announced, Arsenal’s focus is expected to be in attack with a huge decision to be made. Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko have both been strongly linked, but it looks as though the latter is being pursued as talks with RB Leipzig have begun.
Interest in the former Coventry City man is still present however, with BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel revealing Arsenal’s stance on both players.
“In terms of Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko — my information is that Arsenal are working towards confirming the frameworks of both deals before making a final decision on which to proceed with,” he said.
“Sesko has near universal backing at the club, but crucially, will be the more expensive deal. Gyokeres’ chances of moving to Arsenal have increased since Andrea Berta’s appointment. Price is key here.
“Sesko ticks many boxes in terms of profile, he is younger and plays in a stronger league according to recruitment data. Gyokeres is more economical, but would see the club divert from their longer-term strategy given Sesko has always been a target.”
Plenty has been said about their respective asking prices with claims made that the Slovenia international will cost as much as £93million. On Gyokeres, meanwhile, an agreement is in place with Sporting CP which could see him depart for just £59million – a whopping £34m less.
That could be quite the saving for Arsenal and though Sesko is currently preferred, an intriguing Gyokeres admission was made when he was asked if his next club will be Arsenal in a phone call with former Coventry City teammate Leo Ostigard during a recent episode of the Flymodus podcast.
“No, we will see,” he admitted while laughing. “Nobody knows anything yet. I wish I had a more fun answer but that is all I can say for now.”
Just before Ostigard hung up, he jokingly told Gyokeres to tell him when ‘everything is signed and sorted down at Arsenal’.
“Yeah, yeah, sure,” Gyokeres then retorted, playing along with the jest.
Despite that three-word Arsenal response, it certainly cannot be taken seriously with Gyokeres’ tone of voice and the phrasing of the initial question showing it is clearly a joke.
He was certainly put on the spot though and his calm response seemingly reflects how he is feeling about his future.
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