Arsenal fans finally got to see their new centre forward in action after months of speculation and waiting.
Arsenal confirmed the signing of Viktor Gyokeres and the Swedish striker made his debut for the Gunners in the pre-season friendly clash with North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Gyokeres was the man chosen by the club in the end after Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta took their time in identifying the right fit for the team.
The Gunners were also interested in Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig but were put off by the German club’s demands. It has now emerged that Sesko’s agent also did something extraordinary that may well have been decisive in the decision not to pursue the Slovenian.
Benjamin Sesko’s agent left Arsenal ‘jaw-dropped’ during negotiations
According to Arsenal source ‘HandofArsenal’ Sesko’s agent left the club ‘jaw-dropped’ with his actions during negotiations for his client.
HandofArsenal explained that Elvis Basanovic presented his client as if he were ‘Messi’ and pushed Arsenal to favour a deal to sign Gyokeres.
Whilst negotiations with Sporting Lisbon were not plain sailing, the agent of Gyokeres was much easier to deal with and made it clear that his client only wanted a move to North London.
Gyokeres went on strike to force through his move to the Gunners but it seems that Sesko’s representatives made it a simple decision for Berta and his recruitment team.
What Viktor Gyokeres will bring to Arsenal over Benjamin Sesko
Both strikers are highly rated by the club but it was thought that Gyokeres was in a position to deliver success and goals straight away compared to Sesko, who is still quite young.
The Swede will give Arteta’s side a real threat in behind and is a clinical finisher, whereas Sesko’s physical profile and scope for development was his real benefits.
Gyokeres needs to improve his heading as seen in his first Arsenal training session, however, he is the more complete centre forward ready to win trophies now for the club.
Sesko is linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, Manchester United and Newcastle United are both interested.
If either of those transfers does materialise, it will be intriguing to watch how each player’s progress in England pans out.
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