Arsenal’s quest for a clinical centre-forward has taken center stage in the summer 2025 transfer window, with Football Insider reporting, that the Gunners are casting a wide net beyond their primary targets, Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres. After falling short in their pursuit of a first Premier League title since 2004 last season, finishing 10 points behind champions Liverpool, manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are under intense pressure to deliver silverware in the 2025-26 campaign. The club’s lack of firepower, exacerbated by injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, has fueled the belief that signing a top No. 9 could be the key to clinching the title, as reported by The Telegraph.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres, with Football Insider noting that the club favors a deal for the 22-year-old Sesko over the 27-year-old Gyokeres. Sesko, who scored 21 goals and provided six assists in 45 appearances for Leipzig in 2024-25, is seen as a long-term investment with a high ceiling, fitting Arsenal’s strategy of signing young talent with growth potential. His £68.4m-£85.5m valuation, per Sky Sports, reflects Leipzig’s high demands, but Sesko’s interest in Champions League football and Arsenal’s long-standing pursuit—dating back to last summer—make him a prime target.
Gyokeres, meanwhile, has been prolific, scoring 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting CP, including 54 in 52 matches last season. However, his transfer is complicated by a dispute with Sporting’s president Frederico Varandas, who denies a reported £60m “gentleman’s agreement” and now demands up to £85m. Football Insider and The Mirror report that Gyokeres prefers Arsenal over Manchester United, despite the latter’s interest under ex-Sporting boss Ruben Amorim, but Arsenal have “frozen” talks due to the high fee, shifting focus back to Sesko.
Securing a centre-forward is critical for Arsenal’s title aspirations, with Gary Neville backing them to win the Premier League if they land a top No. 9, per football.london. A signing like Sesko could provide a long-term solution, while Gyokeres offers proven goal-scoring prowess. Missing out on both, however, could force Arsenal to pivot to less preferred options like Ekitike or Watkins, risking a repeat of last season’s attacking struggles. The club’s ability to navigate high valuations and rival interest—Bayern for Sesko, United for Gyokeres—will test Berta’s negotiating prowess.
As of 25th June, Arsenal’s search for a centre-forward extends beyond Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, with Football Insider highlighting the club’s pursuit of multiple targets to end their trophy drought. While Sesko remains the favored option and Gyokeres a strong contender, Berta’s broad approach aims to secure a clinical striker before the September 1 deadline. With fan anxiety mounting and a challenging start to the 2025-26 season looming, Arsenal must act swiftly to land their man and ignite their Premier League title challenge.
