Arsenal are preparing for a very active summer transfer window, pursuing two high-profile strikers in parallel: Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko. Although the club's directors do not plan to sign two number 9s, sporting director Andrea Berta has held advanced talks for both players and does not rule out the possibility of other moves, including Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, after the transfer in January fell through after the Londoners' first attempt.
Gyokeres, 27, has made his wishes clear, preferring to play for Arsenal, more than any other team, despite interest from Manchester United and Spanish and Italian clubs. He is now in the middle of a dispute with Sporting Lisbon, as the club are not allowing him to leave for £60m. President Frederico Varandas accuses Gyokeres' agent of playing games with the player's price, which has created a deadlock in talks between the striker and Arsenal. The deadlock has forced the English club to evaluate other options for the attacking midfielder, with price being a key factor in this target.
Meanwhile, Sesko, 22, could leave RB Leipzig for over £60m after initially considering a move last summer but deciding to stay in Germany for another year. Clubs such as Bayern Munich have shown interest in him, but Arsenal did a lot of work before last season to convince the player to move to the Emirates, and Mikel Arteta highly values the Slovenian forward's potential.
Both players offer different profiles, Gyokeres is physically strong and quite clinical in the area, while Sesko combines speed, height and the ability to start actions from deep. With one of these names, or perhaps another striker that Berta will identify, Arsenal aims to strengthen the squad and return to the race for the Premier League title, which is expected to be even tougher this season. If they manage to resolve the situation and secure an agreement with Sporting or Leipzig, the Londoners will have the guarantee of a high-level number 9 next season.
