The Benjamin Sesko vs Viktor Gyokeres Transfer decision has continued, but Arsenal has to call their call immediately.
The general consensus is that Andrea Berta has been defended for Sporting Lisbon's Gyokeres, while in an ideal world boss Mikel Arteta depicted the Sesko of RB Leipzig.
That does not tell the full story, but a deal for Gyokeres has always felt more feasible.
Arsenal loves both players and has worked to put pressure on their clubs to maximize the value from each agreement. They also succeeded in having both parties guessed whether an offer would land.
That has been the task of Sporting Director Berta, who, according to sources, played the two clubs against each other.
One of the main reasons why the 22-year-old Sesko initially received priority last year was that data analysts recognized him as the best candidate. That was not only the case with Arsenal, but also other top clubs in Europe. Sources describe how his process marks him as a striking profile.
Benjamin Sesko's XG card of the past season.Oppa by StatesPeachform
For Gyokees, who is five years older, the attraction is different. Speaking with figures with knowledge of the pursuit, it is clear that Arsenal believes that his powerful finishing style on both feet around the penalty area, combined with impressive drive mental and a good level of calmness, are characteristics that will bring a new lead on their front line that can offer very few players in the world.
With the tour for the season just two weeks away, Arsenal has decided that they now have to act to ensure that one of their key positions has been established on time for their Premier League opener against Manchester United in August.
The preferred destinations of the striker
When Gyokees left Coventry City in 2023, it was never clear whether he would return to English football. Sources insisted that it would not be a burning desire.
His dreams were great and the ambition had always been to reach the top of the continental game. After two extraordinary seasons in Sporting Lisbon, it is clear that Barcelona has put his personal wish list at the top.
Sources consistently insisted that if he left Lisbon, it had to be for something exceptional.
Now that exception seems to be arsenal.
Gyoke's statistics in the Primeira Ligaopta by Statspleform
Sesko did not aggressively pushed for a step away from Leipzig in the way Gyokees has that, and the German club has remained at their release clause of € 80 million for the player.
The business tactics used by Arsenal suggest that by appearing to look like Gyokeres, Leipzig gave a last chance to lower the reimbursement of Sesko.
Gyokees seemed to be more feasible everywhere – despite the fact that sporting apparently went back from a men's agreement last year to sell it for € 60 million.
Yet Arsenal -sources say that Gyokeres will turn out to be a cheaper deal than Sesko and that the payment conditions must also be more favorable.
The missing piece
Arsenal will be careful until the full agreement is reached at this crucial time.
In Gyokeres they focus on a player who scored 97 goals in 102 games since he moved to Portugal. The player has been extensively scouted for the past 18 months.
The figures are difficult to ignore and have helped to convince Arsenal that he can become a missing piece. After having scored 22 in his last championship season with Coventry City, Gyokeres hit 43 in his first year at Sporting. Then a stunning 54 goals came in 52 games last season. His output has been consistent, clinical and elite.
The obvious question is how that form is carried out in the Premier League – and whether he could do it against the very best defenses.
Internal figures at Arsenal remain convinced that the title challenge of the club last season will only fall short due to a lack of target power in the event of attack. That is the burden that will be expected from their next elite striker.
Dean Jonesflash score