Arsenal chose against pursuing Benjamin Sesko in favour of securing Viktor Gyokeres after considering the RB Leipzig forward too much of a gamble.
Mikel Arteta’s team eventually confirmed the Swedish striker’s arrival last month following one of the summer’s most protracted transfer sagas. The Gunners had narrowed their striker hunt down to Gyokeres and Sesko, but ultimately plumped for the 27-year-old, leaving Sesko embroiled in a tug-of-war between Manchester United and Newcastle United.
The Slovenian international had previously appeared destined for north London given the club’s extensive 12-month scouting operation monitoring his development at RB Leipzig, according to ESPN.
Following initial discussions with the German side, Arsenal executives quickly discovered that any move for the talented striker would prove too costly for a player still developing his game, reports the Mirror.
The report highlighted three primary concerns that triggered “alarm bells” over a potential Sesko deal, including Leipzig’s hefty asking price alongside his wage demands.
With just two campaigns under his belt in Europe’s elite leagues – netting 21 goals in all competitions during the previous term – sources revealed the club harboured doubts about Sesko’s psychological readiness to spearhead Arsenal’s frontline and cope with the accompanying pressure.
Despite Gyokeres not yet making his mark in one of Europe’s top domestic leagues, his impressive record of 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting CP and Arsenal’s faith in his character led them to secure a deal for the striker.
Sesko is reportedly still weighing up his options, with Newcastle having their bid of just under £70m turned down after they rejected Liverpool’s £110m offer for Alexander Isak. Despite United not yet making a formal offer for the 22-year-old, they remain keenly interested in enhancing their attack with his signature.
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