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Arsenal journalist reveals why Mikel Arteta is expected to prioritise signing Viktor Gyokeres over Benjamin Sesko

Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko are the two leading candidates to become Arsenal’s next number nine, but Mikel Arteta looks to have chosen to prioritise the Swede.

Since last summer, Arsenal have been keen on Gyokeres and now the Gunners look set to firm up their interest in signing the Swedish international.

Benjamin Sesko is another Arsenal target, with the youngster having been impressing for quite some time in the German top flight.

But the decision looks to have been made that Gyokeres will become the main priority for Andrea Berta this summer, ahead of the Slovenian forward.

Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images

Arsenal set to prioritise Viktor Gyokeres over Benjamin Sesko

Arsenal journalist James McNicholas has revealed that he’s heard that Arsenal will look to sign Viktor Gyokeres ahead of Benjamin Sesko this summer.

There is a strong feeling in football that Sesko will become one of the best strikers in the world eventually, however, at this stage, Gyokeres appears in a better position to hit the ground running.

Mikel Arteta’s side could target Sesko, who appears to have the higher ceiling, but there is a desperation at the Emirates Stadium to win now and that’s why the 26-year-old is likely to be target number one.

McNicholas told Arsecast Extra: “I had a conversation with somebody who works in football at a high level on the sort of technical recruitment side, and they were saying to me they think that Benjamin Sesko will be the best number nine in the world.

“I don’t think that person would be alone in that belief. I think a lot of people look at Sesko and think he’s got all the raw attributes.”

The Gunners journalist says he’s been told Gyokeres is the player the North London club will attempt to sign, as he is the finished product.

“The critical thing, the same person was saying they think Arsenal will buy Gyokeres because while Sesko is excellent, he has some development to do, whereas Gyokeres is kind of what he is at this point in time,” added McNicholas.

Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

How does Benjamin Sesko’s stats compare to Viktor Gyokeres?

Arsenal have reservations over Sesko and when you compare his goal record to that of Gyokeres, it is clear why Berta wants the more experienced Swede.

Bejamin SeskoViktor Gyokeres
Apps4552
Goals2154
Assists613
Benjamin Sesko’s stats vs Viktor Gyokeres’ this season

The Sporting striker has netted an incredible 54 goals in 52 matches this season and helped his team to clinch the league title in Portugal.

Meanwhile, it was a disappointing season for Leipzig and Sesko, who missed out on European qualification altogether.