Arsenal were on course to sign Benjamin Sesko in the summer transfer window, but chose Viktor Gyokeres instead.
Andrea Berta wanted Gyokeres, seeing the Swede as an instant solution to Arsenal’s need for a goalscorer.
Even Sesko thought he was joining Arsenal, however, after Berta’s transfer snub, the Slovenian made his way to the Premier League.
Sesko has struggled at Manchester United since he completed his £74m transfer, with his agent now lifting the lid on how his client is feeling behind the scenes.
If you could swap Viktor Gyokeres for Benjamin Sesko right now, would you? If so, why?
Benjamin Sesko’s agent speaks after Arsenal transfer decision
Fascinatingly, Josh Kroenke wanted to sign Sesko, but Berta took control, signing Gyokeres instead.
The decision left the Slovenian with two options: Newcastle United or Man United, and he chose the Red Devils.
It’s been a tough start to life at Old Trafford for Sesko, but he’s relishing the challenge.
Speaking to Slovenian broadcaster Arena Sport, Sesko’s agent, Elvis Basanovic, revealed what was said when he recently caught up with his client.
“Right now, while he was injured, he had a bit more free time, so I visited him in Manchester and asked him honestly: how do you see your decision about Manchester United now, when you’ve had a little more time to think about it?”
Basanovic then relayed what Sesko responded to the question.
“He said: ‘Elvis, the only thing I would regret, and I would regret it for the rest of my life, would be if I hadn’t chosen Manchester United.’”
Things seem to have worked out as desired for the striker, who is preparing to return from injury.
Both Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres have struggled
Arsenal’s analytics team had doubts about Sesko, understanding that he had a potentially high ceiling, but not a guaranteed one.
As Gyokeres had scored 97 goals in two seasons for Sporting CP, the Swede was the logical fast-fix signing to go for, but the Gunners are yet to see a return on their £64m capture.
Both Sesko and Gyokeres have flattered to deceive so far this season in the Premier League, as their average Sofascore match ratings reveal.
| Benjamin Sesko | Statistic | Viktor Gyokeres |
| 11 | Appearances | 13 |
| 2 | Goals | 4 |
| 1 | Assists | 0 |
| 3 | Big chances missed | 5 |
| 11% | Conversion % | 20% |
| 6.56 | Average match rating | 6.48 |
The goals aren’t coming freely for either player, which is arguably more of a concern for Arsenal than Man United.
Arsenal chose Gyokeres due to his experience and being more of a finished article, which, while meaning results now, also opens the door to Sesko to take off at Man United, being only 22.
The transfer debate is a fascinating one, and one that won’t disappear as the two players continue to adapt to their respective clubs.
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