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- Slovenia international was a top target
- Attention turned to Swedish sensation
- Gunners looking for "immediate impact"
The Gunners have been in the market for a new No.9 across several transfer windows, with the acquisition of a proven goalscorer considered to be the final piece in a الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز title-winning puzzle for the north London outfit.
Several options have been considered, from Alexander Isak to Ollie Watkins, but Mikel Arteta has finally got his man after seeing a protracted pursuit of Swedish striker Gyokeres completed in a £64 million ($86m) deal.
According to The Athletic Arsenal view Gyokeres as “a player ready – and utterly determined – to make an immediate impact”. He is considered to be a “striker for the here and now” who can be “a difference-maker this season”.
Sporting director Andrea Berta turned his attention to Gyokeres after seeing his predecessors favour an approach for Sesko. At that stage, the Slovenia international’s “age profile and potential” appealed to the Gunners, with lengthy talks held with his representatives and Leipzig.
As “limited progress was made”, Arsenal determined that “Sesko’s salary expectations and associated commission” were “too high” for a player “considered a development project”. The numbers involved in a big-money deal were “too steep” for those at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal needed somebody ready to make an “immediate impact”, with it quickly determined that Gyokeres was the right option. Sesko’s camp began to make concessions, but by then it was “too late” as Berta and Arteta lured a prolific presence away from Portuguese giants Sporting.
