Arsenal set for immediate Viktor Gyokeres vindication as £66m Benjamin Sesko transfer 'agreed'

Arsenal's summer transfer window was, for a long time, dominated by their search for a centre-forward.

In fact, this was true dating back to last season when RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko was their main target. After waiting for a decision to be made by the player, the Gunners discovered the Slovenian had decided to sign a new deal in Germany.

The truth was that this decision was made to take pressure off Sesko in the build-up to Euro 2024. With his focus on the national team, he did not see a move as the wisest option but the door was certainly open for 2025.

21 goals followed in all competitions for Sesko in 2024/25 despite RB Leipzig struggling and failing to qualify for this season's Champions League. A transfer this summer was inevitable and for the longest time, with Sporting being stubborn on the future of Viktor Gyokeres, the Emirates Stadium looked like it would be his new home.

Andrea Berta was, at one stage, negotiating to bring both men to the Emirates Stadium. However, once a breakthrough was made for Gyokeres, the pursuit of Sesko ended.

With his move to Arsenal over, Sesko now appears to be making his Premier League dream come true with rivals Manchester United. It is widely reported that United are set to pay just over £66m up front for Sesko as they look to complete their attack strengthening.

How coincidental then that United and Sesko pose Mikel Arteta's side their first challenge of the Premier League season. Next week, the Gunners shall travel to Old Trafford, where all eyes shall be on Gyokeres and Sesko as they prepare to make their debuts in England's top flight.

In many ways, there is an expectation that Gyokeres should vindicate Arsenal's decision to move for him. The Gunners had the chance to sign either man and Berta, Arteta and co. chose the Swede.

He will have had more time to settle into his new surroundings and enters a team in better shape despite recent pre-season results. Gyokeres also has experience in English football, albeit mainly in the second tier, but that should stand him in good stead for the pace and atmosphere expected next weekend.

While on the face of it, this scenario should play into the hands of Sesko - with the expectation weighing less on his shoulders - these are the kind of matches that Gyokeres should thrive under. He could receive a less than favourable reaction from the United fans but he should use this as motivation and show why his £63.7m transfer fee was money well spent.