Former Arsenal star Ian Wright has given a clear verdict in the debate over Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko after the Gunners opted to sign the former this summer as Manchester United signed Sesko
Ian Wright reckons Viktor Gyokeres will be on another level to Benjamin Sesko in the Premier League this season. The former Arsenal striker hit back at double standards from Gary Neville over what would constitute a positive season for the division's newest forwards.
The Gunners were in the market for both players before opting to sign Gyokeres in a deal worth close to £64million. The Swede arrives from Sporting CP after averaging more than a goal per game last season.
Sesko meanwhile, despite interest from Newcastle United, ultimately chose to join Manchester United in a deal worth up to £74m. Both goalscorers could feature as the two historied rivals meet in their opening fixture.
But former Manchester United captain Gary Neville caught Wright's ire when establishing targets for the Red Devils' new frontline. The Salford City owner wants to see Sesko, along with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, combine to hit 35 goals, of which the Slovenia international could be content with ten.
Wright was incredulous at Neville's suggestion after the pundit had disregarded the same figure being enough for Gyokeres. “You look at Sesko and he scored 13 goals in 38 games in the German league (sic), Marmoush left in December (23 January) and had 15,” Wright said on the Overlap.
“That says to me as a striker that he should be scoring more at that level, so you’re coming to United… I think Gyökeres… he’s got such great ability and physical, I think he’s going to be another [level]. He’ll get 15 [goals].
“But that is a worry, 13 for a whole season, that would be a worry for me… what if he [Sesko] got 10 goals [in the Premier League ]? What if he got 10? Because you just turned your nose up at me when I mentioned Gyökeres and 10 [goals], and now you’re thinking about Šeško and 10 [goals]."
"I don’t care [that Gyökeres is further in his career]," he added. "It’s Man United and you have to expect it… am I hearing this right?! Why can’t I have [10 goals] for Gyökeres? When I said 10 you turned your nose up like I was smelling poo.”
Sesko's agent recent gave his interpretation of why a move to Arsenal did not materialise despite the Gunners making the early progress for a transfer. "It's hard to say exactly," Elvis Basanovic said.
"Whenever a deal doesn't go through, there are always several factors. In the end, everything has to align for it to happen.
"What's important here is that Benjamin's wish, for years now, has always been United. And for United, he was even willing to take a pay cut to make the move happen. As his agent, I wanted to make that wish come true."