1
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has explained why his side opted to sign Viktor Gyokeres instead of Manchester United star Benjamin Sesko.
Sesko gets up to speed
United entered the summer transfer window with the clear aim of strengthening their attacking department after a goalless 2024/2025 season. The club made north of £200 million from the signings of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Sesko.
The Red Devils had been keeping an eye on Sesko for several years before finally signing him. He has shown flashes of his considerable potential, especially through his intelligent movement, aerial ability and hold-up play. But as the player himself has admitted, there remains a lot of room for development before he can be considered a full-fledged striker.
Sesko has made 17 appearances in the Premier League so far, contributing four goals and one assist.
The Slovenian’s future at Old Trafford looks bright, but he could easily have played for Arsenal. Like United, the Gunners had identified Sesko as a primary target.
Arsenal held talks with both RB Leipzig and Sesko’s representatives, but the North London team ultimately opted to turn their attention elsewhere and completed a £64 million deal for Gyokeres. Interestingly, Gyokeres was also heavily linked to United, partly due to the prospect of reuniting with his former coach, Ruben Amorim.
Gyokeres’ record form in Portugal has yet to translate into fireworks in the Premier League.
Ahead of United’s meeting with Arsenal in the Emirates on Sunday, Arteta revealed why they chose Gyokeres ahead of Sesko.
Arteta’s Sesko explanation
When asked why Gyokeres instead of Sesko, the 43-year-old replied [as quoted by the Metro]”Well, in the end we have to make a decision, and we believed that Victor was the best in the scenario we were in.”
“The qualities we didn’t have in that number nine either, because we’ve had the situation with Gabby and Kai for many, many months, and we’re very happy to have him.”
About Gyokeres’ qualities, he added: “First of all, goals. Someone who can guarantee your goals.”
“We know that word doesn’t exist, but then there is someone very direct, very powerful, a real nine who can stretch the field, who has the goal between the eyes, and someone who can stretch the field for us a little bit more, especially when we have to play against certain opponents.”
When Arteta was pressed further over Gyokeres’ disappointing start in England, she was predictably cagey on the subject, urging the Swedish forward to be patient and give more time to adapt.
Arsenal vs. United starts at 4:30 p.m.
Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of Man United’s most important news sites for over ten years. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
#Mikel #Arteta #explains #Arsenal #signed #Viktor #Gyokeres #Benjamin #Sesko #Man #United #News #Transfer #News #Peoples #Person