Arsenal transfer news: Benjamin Sesko vs Viktor Gyokeres decision made as statement released

Arsenal appear to have finally made a decision between RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko and Sporting Lisbon goal machine Viktor Gyokeres after lengthy deliberations

Arsenal’s number one priority in the summer transfer window is to sign a world-class centre-forward – and they are now getting close to making that wish a reality.

The Gunners know they need to spend big on a striker after finishing second in the Premier League for the third straight campaign, while also coming up short in the semi-finals of the Champions League. Mikel Arteta has been assured by the club’s hierarchy that there is money to spend on the right player.

“We plan to invest to get behind winning and doing better next season,” co-chairman Josh Kroenke said recently. “We’re delighted we have our sporting director, Andrea [Berta], who will play an important role in this. He is part of a unified and strong team, supported by the board, who are crystal clear on exactly what we need to do and the way in which we want to do it. The right way. The Arsenal way.”

Arsenal moved closer to signing a back-up goalkeeper on Saturday by agreeing a deal to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for £5million. Kepa spent last season on loan with Bournemouth and now appears set to join the Gunners as a back-up to David Raya.

And the club now seems to have settled on another right player for their Arsenal way. Read on to find out the latest in their search.

READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Liverpool’s Wirtz timeline, Man Utd’s new offer, Bellingham price set, Arsenal latestREAD MORE: RB Leipzig make Benjamin Sesko request as Arsenal transfer talks escalate

Talks over £60m Sesko deal

Arsenal appear to have chosen Benjamin Sesko over Viktor Gyokeres this summer, with talks ongoing over a £60million transfer. The Gunners were interested in signing Sesko from RB Leipzig last summer, but he decided to stay another season. Now it seems he’s ready to move.

The German club are willing to sell the Slovenia international for the right price. And they have asked the Slovenian Football Association to omit Sesko from their friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday in a clear sign that a deal could be struck soon.

The 22-year-old has lots of fans at Arsenal, who believe his performance stats are more impressive than Gyokeres’, due to the higher level in the Bundesliga, compared to the Portuguese top flight.

Arsenal release Jorginho statement

The Gunners have confirmed that Jorginho is departing the club early in order to join Brazilian club Flamengo in time to feature in the Club World Cup in the United States. Jorginho was due to leave when his deal expired on June 30, but has left earlier.

Arsenal said in a statement: “The club can confirm that we have reached a mutual agreement with Jorginho to end his contract with immediate effect. Thank you for everything and all the best, Jorgi”

The Gunners are set to say goodbye to 17 players at the end of the month, with Jorginho’s replacement already lined up in the form of Martin Zubimendi, who is expected to join from Real Sociedad for £51m.

Man Utd lead Gyokeres race

Arsenal going for Sesko over Gyokeres has helped Manchester United take the lead in the race for the Swedish striker. Gyokeres worked with Ruben Amorim at Sporting Lisbon and could be reunited with him next season.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s drastic cost-cutting at Old Trafford could help them get to the front of the queue for Gyokeres, who is expected to demand in excess of £200,000 per week to join. The 27-year-old is likely to cost around £65m – around the same figure as Sesko, who is five years younger.

Gyokeres could lead the line alongside Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo at United next season. Cunha is joining for £62.5m from Wolves, while United have offered Brentford £55m plus £5m in bonuses for Mbeumo.

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