Fabrizio Romano: Arsenal Turn Back on 'Monster' Striker, Talks 'Not Developing'

Arsenal's interest in Viktor Gyokeres isn't developing, and their full focus is on signing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Gunners are set to sign a new number nine this summer, and it has long been speculated that Gyokeres and Sesko were their top two targets. Both enjoyed superb past seasons at Sporting CP and Leipzig, respectively, and are the centre-forward profile that Mikel Arteta is crying out for.

Gyokeres, 27, is the finished article, given his age, and he has previously spent time in English football with Coventry City. But Sesko, 22, looks to be Arteta's preferred choice and the club are pursuing the Slovenian's signature.

Romano: Arsenal Put Gyokeres On Backburner

The Gunners are advancing for Sesko

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Sesko is a long-term target who was on Arsenal's radar last summer but turned down a move to the Emirates over doubts over his game time. He instead opted to continue his development at Leipzig, where he has earned a reputation as one of Europe's most highly regarded target men.

Romano has revealed that work on a deal for the 41-cap Slovenia international is "advancing very well" and that he's "sold on Arteta's project". He suggested that there are "concrete possibilities" of the frontman getting "closer and closer to possibly completing his move".

Gyokeres, meanwhile, could be set to miss out on a switch to North London, with Romano stating on his YouTube channel:

"It's important to say that at the moment, the other situation on the Arsenal side, Viktor Gyokeres, the other name in the list of Arsenal, at the moment, the situation is not developing. Arsenal are focused on Benjamin Sesko, discussing and advancing for Benjamin Sesko… for Viktor Gyokeres, I'm not aware of an official bid from Arsenal or any sort of agreement."

Gyokeres, whose teammate Zeno Dabast called 'a monster', has been widely tipped to arrive in the Premier League this summer and join a Champions League club. Arsenal looked favourites to sign the Swede, but Chelsea were also touted as a possibility before they signed Liam Delap for £30m.

Manchester United may now have a free run at Ruben Amorim's former Sporting striker amid the Gunners seemingly preferring Sesko. He is reportedly "very keen" to join the Red Devils, despite the club's lack of participation in the Champions League next season.

Viktor Gyokeres vs Benjamin Sesko in respective leagues (2024-25) Player: Gyokeres Sesko Appearances: 33 33 Goals: 39 13 Expected Goals (xG): 30.95 9.89 Goals per Game: 1.2 0.4 Assists: 7 5

Arsenal's long-standing interest in Sesko means they have done extensive groundwork not only on a deal but also on how the player will fit Arteta's system. GIVEMESPORT sources learned in January that the Spanish coach's admiration of the Slovenian is "undeniable" and he'd "love to have him on board".

All statistics courtesy of SofaScore - correct as of 08.06.2025

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