Arsenal’s Striker Saga Explodes: Gyokeres Deal Collapses, Sesko U-Turn Looms as Mourinho Eyes Opportunity

Arsenal’s pursuit of a marquee striker has hit yet another dramatic twist as their top summer target, Viktor Gyokeres, is now on the brink of slipping through their fingers, and it could force the club into an embarrassing U-turn for Benjamin Sesko. 

After intense negotiations with Sporting CP, the Gunners’ leadership reportedly left Lisbon without making meaningful progress on a deal for Gyokeres.  

Despite the Swedish striker having already agreed personal terms with the club, Arsenal and Sporting remain far apart in valuation. This deadlock has left the striker and his camp fearing the worst, while Sporting had even delayed his pre-season return, anticipating a completed transfer. 

Sources close to the player claim Gyokeres was even prepared to go on strike to force through a move. But Arsenal, no longer willing to be held hostage by inflated fees, are now poised to walk away, reigniting their earlier interest in RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. 

This twist is particularly awkward for the North London side. Arsenal had previously abandoned the Sesko route after struggling to meet Leipzig’s €80m (£68.96m) asking price, reportedly coming up €10m (£8.62m) short. Personal terms with Sesko were also problematic, making the move unworkable at the time, pushing the club toward Gyokeres instead. 

But now, faced with another failed bid, Arsenal may be forced to tuck their tail between their legs and reopen talks with Sesko’s camp. It’s a move that could highlight indecision at the top, as the club flip-flops between two top striker targets with the pre-season tour to Singapore fast approaching on July 19. 

Despite the speculation, Sesko’s agent Elvis Basanovic has remained calm and composed amid the media frenzy, stating: 

“Sesko is not competing with anyone. It’s him vs him every day. We have a clear plan for the future and media speculation doesn’t affect us. Sesko is not just a striker, he is a special striker.” 

Arsenal have already bolstered their squad this summer with the confirmed signings of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and midfielder Martin Zubimendi. However, manager Mikel Arteta is determined to add a lethal forward to his roster before their Asian tour kicks off. 

Meanwhile, Gyokeres isn’t waiting around. The former Coventry City star is said to be exploring a loan exit from Sporting, firmly stating he has no intention of playing for the Portuguese champions again. 

Jose Mourinho, now in charge of Fenerbahce, is reportedly monitoring Gyokeres’ situation closely. The Turkish giants could swoop in and capitalize on the failed Arsenal move. Juventus, too, are circling, eager to snap up a striker to lead their Serie A charge. 

With just days remaining before pre-season escalates, Arsenal must act fast or risk being left without either striker, and with rivals circling, the pressure is mounting.