Arsenal confirming two things before final call on Sesko and Gyokeres transfers

Arsenal are tracking both Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, so Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta have a big decision to make with regards to which player to pursue the most this summer

Arsenal are reportedly looking into the framework of deals for both Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko as they aim to bring one of the strikers to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

While the transfer window has temporarily been open since Sunday, there is still uncertainty over which of the two forwards the Gunners will really push to sign. Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta has held talks with Gyokeres’ representatives and now reportedly Sesko’s as he looks to secure a much-needed goalscorer for Mikel Arteta.

Sesko is fresh off the back of his best Bundesliga campaign to date, where he scored 21 goals in all competitions. Gyokeres, meanwhile, enjoyed an extraordinary season where he netted 54 goals for Sporting CP on his way to lifting a domestic double, meaning both options would dramatically improve the Gunners.

Now, BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel has added to the confusion over which player the north Londoners are prioritising by saying the club are fully establishing the financial frameworks of deals for either player, before then making a final decision on which to sign.

The report pointed out that Sesko may be the preferred choice from a footballing standpoint, stating that a move for the Slovenian has “near-universal backing” at Arsenal. Sesko is the younger striker at 22 and plays in a stronger league, according to their recruitment data.

But it was also highlighted that Sesko would be the more expensive deal, potentially costing up to £93million.

Gyokeres, 27, is the more economical option at around £60m. His cheaper price-tag might well end up being the determining factor for Arsenal.

Sesko, who rejected a move to Arsenal last summer, has been eyed by Arteta long before Berta’s arrival as sporting director earlier this year. It is understood that RB Leipzig are looking to sell him during this window to generate some crucial income.

Meanwhile, Gyokeres’ refusal to rule out a move to north London indicates there could be some interest from the player in a return to English football, having previously played for both Brighton and Coventry City.

In a recent cameo appearance on the Flymoduspod podcast, the Swede was asked by host Bernt Hulsker: "Where are you going in the summer transfer window? Can you give us a hint? Is it Arsenal? What are the alternatives?"

Gyokeres chuckled before replying: "We will see. Nobody knows anything yet. I wish I had a more fun answer, but that's all I can say for now."

Later in the conversation, as he was saying goodbye to his former team-mate, Leo Ostigard then added with a hint of jest: "Viktor! Great talking to you. See you soon, and text me when everything is signed and sorted down in Arsenal." Gyokeres jokingly replied: "Yeah, yeah sure."

Last month, Gyokeres was asked by the media whether he liked London as a destination during a post-match interview. He ignored the question and shared his admiration for the Portuguese capital instead.

Should Arteta and Berta opt against signing Sesko, they will need to move quickly to secure Gyokeres, with reports in Portugal claiming that they may have competition from Atletico Madrid for the Sporting man’s signature.