The early stages of the summer transfer window at Arsenal were focused on two players: Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.
Arsenal needed a striker heading into the summer, and Andrea Berta delivered just that, signing Gyokeres from Sporting CP for £64m.
Despite the extensive interest, it was a surprise in some ways that the Swede was signed, as at one point, Sesko looked likely to join Arsenal.
Even Sesko thought he was joining Arsenal, but the Gunners went for Gyokeres instead, a decision that increased Mikel Arteta’s output in front of goal while saving Stan Kroenke millions.
Gary Neville raises Benjamin Sesko concern
Sesko signed for Manchester United, who paid an eye-watering £74m for the Slovenian, £10m more than Arsenal spent on Gyokeres.
Arsenal had huge admiration for the former RB Leipzig star, but the decision to sign Gyokeres instead was made with regard to what the Gunners need now.
Berta chose Gyokeres over Sesko due to the striker being ready to hit the ground running, something he’s done, scoring twice from his first three shots in the Premier League.
It’s not only Arsenal’s number 14 who has proven Berta’s decision to be the right one, as Gary Neville shared his concerns about Sesko in Ruben Amorim’s side.
After Manchester United’s deflating draw against Fulham, Neville told Sky Sports that the 22-year-old is ‘nowhere near’ fit or up to speed in the Premier League.
“Sesko, at the moment, let’s just say it, he’s nowhere near in terms of fitness or just getting up to speed.”
To some extent, Neville’s criticism was to be expected, as the Slovenia international has only been at the club for two weeks; however, the pundit’s concerns only reinforce why Arsenal turned their back on signing him.
Andrea Berta made the right choice for Arsenal’s needs
Sesko’s agent put Arsenal off signing the striker, as he presented his client to be a Messi-like acquisition, which dropped the jaws of some at the club.
There’s no doubt that the forward can go on to reach the highest heights, but for what Arsenal needed in the summer, Berta was absolutely right to choose Gyokeres.
Being five years Sesko’s senior and scoring 33 more goals than the Slovenian last season, Gyokeres had more of a chance of providing instant strength in the Arsenal squad.
Having missed out on the Premier League title for three seasons in a row, the room for error, or the time for a player to adapt, is minimal at the Emirates.
Therefore, Gyokeres was the most suitable option and two games into the season, it’s becoming clear how and why Berta came to his decision.
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