Image Credit: Maciej Rogowski Photo & Vitalii Vitleo
We’re now one third of the way through the summer transfer window of 2025. For Mikel Arteta, what happens in the next two months has the potential to be legacy defining. His Arsenal squad has been locked in a perpetual state of ‘nearly’. Oh so close over three consecutive second place finishes, but always just a couple of pieces short of the finished puzzle. If another season goes by without a trophy it may well be the end of the road for their inspirational young manager. Arteta knows the stakes. Speaking to reporters last month, he said “Believe me, we are on it. We will try to squeeze, and think, and turn every stone that we possibly can to make this club even more successful”. In this pressing moment there’s no argument to be had about their most urgent need. An elite goalscorer. A true number 9.
For a brief time Gabriel Jesus looked like the one to take command of that role, but too often injuries at key moments have kept him out of action. An ACL tear in January likely put an end to his career at the top level. Over the last two seasons Kai Havertz has led the line, converted from an attacking midfielder to a false 9 following his big money move from Chelsea, and the talented German isn’t without his qualities. While the intensity is sometimes lacking, the deft touch and eye for a pass are there in spades. He’s shown plenty of aerial prowess as well as a real knack for hold up work. Havertz has a silky and refined style of play, reminiscent of former Gunners centre forward Olivier Giroud. Unfortunately he also shares the Les Blues legend’s record of inconsistency in front of goal for Arsenal.
That FA Cup performance against Manchester United conjured flashbacks. Nearly a decade ago now, it was an infamous defeat. An ill fated visit to AS Monaco in the Champions League knockouts. There was an air of subdued optimism surrounding our Frenchman up front but it was completely snuffed out that night. Giroud seemed determined to find new ways to miss the target.
In that vital cup tie at the Emirates this January it was much the same. The problems went beyond just poor technique or timing. Havertz looked afraid of a big chance falling his way. Not directing the ball but taking panicked swings at it instead. Content to throw himself on the ground in hope of a penalty rather than stay on his feet and strike it. He spent most of the remaining season out injured. Kai is a versatile player who still has a lot to offer for Arsenal, but as a centre forward he’s fundamentally limited. The things you look for in a natural number 9; directness, hunger for goals, unshakeable confidence. None of it is there. It’s long past time that the club finds someone else for Arteta to rely on up front.
There are two names on everyone’s lips. Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko.
Anxious as we are for news on this front, Arsenal fans will have to wait for anything concrete. Sporting Portugal and RB Leipzig know they have a major windfall coming their way if they play their cards right, and neither are ready to part with their star striker for a dime less than maximum value. New sporting director Andrea Berta is taking the patient approach as the prevailing rumours continue to swing back and forth between the two centre forwards. There’s not much to talk about other than the pros and cons and our opinions on them; a debate that draws on and on. In the meantime, other needs are being addressed.
Kepa Arrizabalaga posed in his new colours just a couple days ago as the first official Arsenal signing of the window. It’s an unsexy way to start the coming procession of announcements, but a solid addition nonetheless. The 30 year old fills the gap at back up keeper and comes with considerable standing and experience for an emergency substitute costing just £5 million.
All signs point to a duo of midfielders up next. Thomas Partey is confirmed to be on his way out after 5 years at the club. No surprise as his replacement was already secured last month; a long sought after target whom Berta has got over the line at last. Martin Zubimendi is in London already. His £50 million move to Arsenal was agreed upon early in the window but delayed until the new financial year, and is now set to be made official imminently. With Real Sociedad, ‘Zubi’ has been one of La Liga’s most consistent players in recent years, and he’s a key part of Spain’s national team too. A steady defensive presence and metronomic passer, he’ll slot neatly into the hole left by Partey at the base of midfield.
Terms have reportedly been agreed for Brentford’s Christian Norgaard as well, who’ll presumably be second choice in that number 6 role. The apparent fee is somewhere between £10 million and £15 million for the 31 year old Dane who’s been a Premier League stalwart of late. Another value for depth signing; tactically adept and proven in English football. Christhian Mosquera is also rumored to be close to a done deal. The Valencia centre back is primarily one for the future, aged 21, but would improve Arsenal’s second string of defence in the short term too.
As well as the centre of attack, Berta will be looking to bolster the left side in this window. Gabriel Martinelli holds the starting role there but as dangerous as he can be at times, the gap between him and superstar Bukayo Saka on the opposite flank has become an issue. Opponents have been able to frustrate the Gunners front line by double marking their talismanic right winger, forcing his counterpart to pick up the slack. Martinelli has been a beloved servant of the club. He emerged from relative obscurity in his native Brazil, bursting into the Arsenal squad as a teenager; a fearless young sprinter willing to take on all comers. Now aged 24, he hasn’t lost that electric pace but his maverick tendencies have faded somewhat. It’s hard to say if it’s an issue of quality or confidence, but as of late it hasn’t quite been good enough.
Bradley Barcola and Rafael Leao are viable options, but it’s Real Madrid’s Rodrygo that looks to be the top target. He’s been confined to a backup role by last years Balon D’or runner up, Vinicius Junior, and is reportedly angling for a move away from Los Blancos. The Brazilian international may be starved of minutes, second choice to the same galáctico for club and country, but he’s still one of the most dynamic and talented wingers in Europe. His individual threat would surely help to open up the game for Saka, who is already brilliant despite constraints. Imagine how good Arsenal’s #7 could be with more freedom to roam.
Crystal Palace’s mercurial midfielder, Eberechi Eze, is the newest name to be linked with the Gunners. A potential move across the Thames from Croydon to Islington would be a welcome return to old stomping grounds for the Londoner. His youth career was spent at Hale End, Arsenal’s revered talent factory. Eze is a connoisseurs’ footballer. Not just effective but inventive. He’s graceful, at times thrilling, and always worth watching. With Palace he’s shown he can do a job on the left as an inside forward if needed, but per David Ornstein “this situation is separate to their pursuit of a striker and left-winger”. Where ever he plays, Eberechi is a creative force. If they can bring him back home he’ll provide strong competition for club captain and leading attacking mid Martin Odegaard.
Eze, a left winger, and a striker. Getting them all certainly wouldn’t be cheap. If that is the ambition then Berta will likely be needing to raise some funds from an outgoing transfer. Jorginho and Tierney have already left on frees, Partey to come next. The most likely candidate is Leandro Trossard. He’d be relegated to third choice on the left by any incoming signing and could still fetch a decent fee. The diminutive winger turned 30 last December but isn’t a player who’s dependent on pace. He’s technical, versatile, and an accomplished finisher. Now feels like the right time to part ways with the Belgian, though they’d miss his habit for scoring timely goals off the bench. Mind you, it might have to be Martinelli for sale instead. It’d be an emotional departure for Gabi, but with his relative youth and potential he’d be valued quite a bit higher than Trossard and that extra revenue may well be a necessity.
If Berta can move one of their wingers on and close the deal with all three targets, then on paper you’d have to call it sensational business. That said, there’s only one thing that they can’t do without any longer. Whoever Arsenal can sign to strengthen other areas on the pitch, it won’t matter one bit if they fail to land one of their star striker targets. Either would be great. Which one you prefer is mainly a question of priorities.
The case for Gyokeres is about immediacy. We need a man for right now, not the future, and there isn’t a centre forward more prolific than him at this moment. 39 goals in the 24-25 season. That’s the most in Europe, 8 clear of second placed Kylian Mbappe. The Swede was plying his trade in the Championship with Coventry City just two years ago. He was a standout talent in the division, sure, but wasn’t breaking any scoring records. Since his 2023 move to Sporting Portugal though, he’s been absolutely unstoppable. A goal machine. 97 in 102 appearances to be precise.
One on ones are his bread and butter. Gyokeres is an ambitious linebreaking runner with devastating pace. In Lisbon he’s shown he knows how to anticipate the through balls consistently and make his living on the shoulder of the last defender. He’s an absolute unit too. 6’2 with broad shoulders and arms like a lumberjack. You’d back him to hold ground against the Premier League’s strong cohort of hulking centre halves. His finishing; well I think the numbers speak for themselves on that one.
The big question mark is the quality of opposition. First Sweden, then second tier in Germany and England, now Portugal. He’s impressed at every step and is excelling at his highest level yet, but at 27 years old he has never taken the field in any of Europe’s top five leagues. Would he be able to recreate his current form in the Prem? It’s a different ballgame, especially playing for a club like Arsenal. Gyokeres thrives on attacking the space left open by an advanced defensive line. You have to wonder how that translates to a team who favour patient build up, facing low blocks just about every week.
As for the price, there are claims that the player and club had a gentleman’s agreement to accept any bids over £60 million but that Sporting have now gone back on their word and are looking for at least £80 million. Manchester United have shown interest as well. A bidding war would suit the Portuguese club nicely. This past weekend, Sporting president Frederico Varandas made some strong statements on the matter.
“We have already passed the stage where we had to sell our best assets. We do not have to sell him. In the same way that we do not have to sell him, we are still sensitive to Viktor‘s dreams… I won’t say the price we asked for. It was communicated to the agent… But I can guarantee that Viktor will not leave for £60 million. There are only two scenarios: one club respects the price requested by Sporting and Viktor will fulfil his dream, and from that moment we will be ready to attack the targets, or that club does not want Viktor and Viktor, with a three-year contract, stays at Sporting and we will be very happy.”
On the other hand, the price for Sesko is rumoured at just shy of £60 million. It’s a hefty fee still. At 22, he’s bursting with potential but isn’t quite a finished product yet. He’s been in the Red Bull system his entire senior career, first with Salzburg and then Leipzig since 2023, and has blossomed into one of the most exciting young players in the game. The pros are clear to see. Like Gyokeres he’s fast, powerful, and eager to make runs in behind, but his game is more well rounded than the Swedes’. His talents more diverse. Of the two, he’s better suited to the kind of football Arsenal play and the restrictive tactics they’re often up against.
Sesko stands at 6’5, a towering figure in the front line. At times he reminds you of a Haaland type, bullying and direct, but when he drops into the half spaces he has the ability impact the game the way someone like Newcastle’s Alexander Isak does. This part of his game really shone in 24-25. The close control, press resistance, and passing have all come on in leaps and bounds lately. As the old adage goes he’s got great feet for a big man. Less surprisingly, his dominance in the air is elite. 57.9% of aerial duels won last season put him in the 96th percentile across Europe’s first divisions. It’s an eye watering total package and it’s made him easily the most sought after young striker on the market. When you look at Gyokeres, there’s a marked contrast between what he could bring to the team next season and what Havertz offers already. If Arsenal can land Sesko he could well become a player who does the job of both at once.
For his detractors the key word there is become. The Gunners need goals and they need them now. So far the Slovenian’s scoring record is in the category of ‘good but not spectacular’. The right boot is an absolute cannon and he’s got plenty of confidence in his finishing (see the ridiculous outside the footer from distance that he scored against Bayern last month), but he hasn’t yet put it all together to become a sure thing in front of goal. Can Arsenal afford to be patient with any potential growing pains?
Overall I think the benefits outweigh the flaws in both cases. I do lean toward Sesko. He fits like a glove into the tactics and style of play that Arteta employs. It’s a gamble given his age, I’ll concede, but so is spending potentially as much as £80 million on a player still untested in the big five. Gyokeres will lead counters, hassle defenders, and score one on one goals. It’s what he does. Sesko is different. He appears to me to be the final cog that Arsenal’s attacking machine is crying out for. His skillset is one that won’t just see him thrive individually, but means he can get the best out of players around him too. He can terrorise the box in one moment and drop deep to create in the next, opening spaces for Arsenal on the flanks and giving their marauding midfielders a chance get forward. In this team the heading threat he possesses would be amplified tenfold. Just picture all 6’5 of him on the end of a Declan Rice set piece and or a whipped cross from Saka. There’s always going to be fear of the unknown. Sesko passes the eye test with flying colours, but is he ready to take that next step and deliver right now? I couldn’t tell you, but if reports are to be believed then Arteta and company clearly think so. That’ll do for me.
I cannot stress this enough though. Either/or, just go and get one of them. It’s time. The striker question has been ever-present since 2022 when Jesus first went down with a long term injury. We’ve been having this specific conversation for well over a year now. The same two players. The same talking points played on repeat. It’s becoming tired. The fanbase is expectant but weary too, quietly anxious, burned by past disappointments. The clock is ticking. Arsenal need to put an end to this debate.
-Will Newby
