Football
Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres – which striker should Arsenal sign?
Arsenal’s pursuit of a top-tier striker for the upcoming season appears to have come down to a decision between two standout talents.
Mikel Arteta has been vocal about his squad’s need for a reliable goalscorer, and new sporting director Andrea Berta is making this search the cornerstone of Arsenal’s summer transfer strategy.
Last season’s injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz left the Gunners short-handed in attack, with Mikel Merino occasionally filling in up front. But now, the North London club looks poised to make a major move as they gear up for another title challenge.
With the transfer window nearing, Arsenal have reportedly held concrete talks regarding a £92.5 million move for Benjamin Sesko, the prolific RB Leipzig forward.
The club is also showing strong interest in Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, whose remarkable goal-scoring exploits have caught the eye of several Premier League teams.
Both players offer physicality and talent, but which one aligns better with Arsenal’s tactical identity remains a key consideration.
Sesko, just 22, has enjoyed a steady climb since making his mark at Liefering in Austria. After moving to RB Salzburg and then to Leipzig two summers ago for around £20 million, the Slovenian forward has become a hot prospect.
Though his Bundesliga stats—27 goals across two seasons—aren’t staggering, his size, athleticism, and potential have once again drawn Arsenal’s attention.
Standing at 6ft 5in, Sesko offers a dominant aerial presence that suits Arsenal’s style, particularly with the team’s emphasis on crosses and set pieces.
He’s capable of dropping deep to aid in buildup play, though his passing still needs refinement. Despite playing in a two-striker system at Leipzig, his movement and finishing instincts could complement Arsenal’s current structure.
His ability to engage both centre-backs could also create valuable space for Bukayo Saka. However, fans should temper expectations initially, as Sesko would need time to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity and Arteta’s tactical demands.
From a development standpoint, Sesko represents a longer-term investment. At 22, he fits the profile of Arsenal’s recent recruitment strategy: young, moldable, and potentially world-class.
While his price tag reflects his potential rather than current output, Arsenal’s previous willingness to invest heavily in players like Declan Rice and Havertz signals they are open to bold moves for the right fit.
On the other hand, Gyokeres may offer a more immediate solution. After an impressive stint in the Championship, the Swedish striker exploded onto the scene in Portugal with 68 goals in 66 league appearances and two titles in two seasons.
Stripping away his 12 penalties this season still leaves him with 27 non-penalty goals—more than any player in Europe’s top five leagues.
Although some question whether he can replicate those numbers in the Premier League, his six goals in eight Champions League matches suggest he’s more than capable of performing on the big stage.
Gyokeres combines power, pace, and a fierce eye for goal. Often drifting to the left flank to collect the ball and create, he’s not just a target man but a self-sufficient attacker.
While he brings physicality and directness to the pitch, he’s not as comfortable playing with his back to goal or dominating in the air—qualities Arteta typically values in a number nine.
If Arsenal opt for Gyokeres, the team may need to adjust its tactics slightly, potentially taking cues from Pep Guardiola’s integration of Erling Haaland into a possession-based system.
The decision between Sesko and Gyokeres may ultimately hinge on Arsenal’s short- and long-term ambitions. With rivals like Tottenham lifting silverware and the Gunners going trophyless since 2020, urgency is building.
Adding Gyokeres, who is expected to cost between £64-67 million, would likely offer instant returns while leaving room in the budget for other much-needed reinforcements. Sesko, on the other hand, could develop into Arsenal’s leading striker for the next decade—a tantalizing proposition given the club’s previous near-miss on Alexander Isak.
Whichever route Arsenal take, the striker they choose could determine how far they go next season. Whether they opt for a seasoned scorer ready to hit the ground running or invest in a future star with massive potential, the Gunners appear ready to make a statement this summer.
Juventus are reportedly set to compete with Napoli for the signing of Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho this summer.
The 25-year-old is back at Old Trafford following a season-long loan at Chelsea, where he made a solid impact with five goals and 10 assists across 41 competitive appearances. He also found the net in Chelsea’s convincing 4-1 victory in last month’s Conference League final, though his efforts were not enough to convince the club to make the deal permanent.
Chelsea were initially expected to secure Sancho for £25 million as part of their loan agreement but ultimately chose to walk away from the obligation. As a result, they were required to pay Manchester United a £5 million penalty fee.
Despite being under contract with United, Sancho is not considered part of manager Ruben Amorim’s long-term plans. If he fails to secure a transfer in the coming weeks, the winger is expected to be left out of the club’s pre-season tour to the United States.
Juventus enter the race for Sancho
Napoli had previously emerged as the frontrunner for Sancho’s signature, with the player reportedly reaching a verbal agreement with the Serie A champions. However, a deal between Manchester United and Napoli has yet to be finalized.
According to Sky Sports News, Juventus have now entered the picture, exploring the financial and contractual terms of a potential move. The Turin-based side is seriously evaluating the opportunity to sign the England international, who has earned 23 senior caps.
Is Juventus the right fit for Sancho?
Juventus manager Igor Tudor is preparing for his first full season in charge after leading the team to a top-four finish last term. Known for deploying a 3-4-2-1 formation, Tudor’s system does not traditionally utilize wide wingers like Sancho.
If he joins Juventus, Sancho would likely compete for one of the two attacking midfield spots behind the main striker—a role that currently sees strong competition from Kenan Yildiz, Francisco Conceicao, and Nico Gonzalez. Unless one of these players is sold, Sancho might struggle to find regular playing time in Turin.
Napoli, on the other hand, could offer a more suitable environment for the former Borussia Dortmund star. With the club still looking to replace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who departed in January, Sancho may find more opportunities to thrive in his preferred position on the wing.
Nicolas Jackson endured a nightmare cameo as Chelsea collapsed in the second half against Flamengo during their FIFA Club World Cup clash, suffering a 3-1 defeat that puts their tournament hopes at risk.
Chelsea initially took the lead through Pedro Neto, whose composed finish through the goalkeeper’s legs gave the Premier League side a promising start. However, the momentum quickly shifted after the break.
Flamengo responded in ruthless fashion, netting twice in quick succession. Substitute Bruno Henrique capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot home from close range, followed by another back-post finish from Danilo that stunned the Blues and put the Brazilian side ahead.
Matters worsened for Chelsea when substitute Nicolas Jackson was shown a straight red card just four minutes after entering the pitch.
His dangerous challenge saw his studs connect with Lucas Ayrton’s shin, leaving the referee with little choice but to send him off immediately.
Flamengo sealed the win with a third goal, as Wallace Yan added the final blow to a chaotic second half that Chelsea will want to forget.
The result means Chelsea must now beat African side ES Tunis in their next match on Tuesday to progress to the last 16. However, finishing second in the group could set them up for a much tougher path, likely facing the winner of Group C, which may include Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich.
Flamengo’s victory strengthens their bid to top Group D and extends the unbeaten run of South American teams in the Club World Cup’s newly expanded format.
Flamengo vs Chelsea Highlight
Monterrey secured their spot in this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup by winning the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League, now known as the CONCACAF Cup.
Fast forward four years, and the team returned to the international stage at the Rose Bowl with only one player from that title-winning squad still in the lineup: veteran goalkeeper Esteban Andrada. The club had not lifted any silverware since that 2021 triumph, which made what happened next even more unexpected.
In a surprising twist, Monterrey opened the scoring against Inter Milan in the 25th minute, as Sergio Ramos delivered a perfectly placed header.
The Spanish defender, who joined the Mexican outfit earlier this year on a one-year deal reportedly worth $4 million, had cited the Club World Cup as a major influence in his decision to sign. His goal sent the Monterrey fans into wild celebrations.
However, their joy didn’t last long. Inter’s star forward Lautaro Martínez—fresh off a World Cup win—responded with a close-range finish following a perfectly orchestrated set-piece.
The Argentine’s goal silenced the Rayados-dominated crowd and brought the game level at 1-1 before halftime.
The second half saw both teams tighten up defensively, limiting each other’s chances as the game wore on.
Inter, still recovering from a heavy defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in last month’s UEFA Champions League final, looked eager to reassert themselves. But it was Monterrey who rose to the occasion, matching their European opponents stride for stride and leaving the pitch with their heads held high after a gritty performance.
Monterrey 1-1 Inter Milan Highlights
-
Football2 months agoAntony scores another worldie with stunning free-kick vs ex-Man Utd team-mate
-
Football1 month agoGuardiola refuses to shake hands with Palace star as Man City boss makes his feelings clear at the final whistle
-
Football1 month agoLionel Messi involved in furious argument with referee after Inter Miami game
-
Football1 month agoMan Utd wonderkid dubbed ‘Next Yamal’ could snub Spain for England
-
Football1 month agoREVEALRD: Why do Man Utd have (Red) as their shirt sponsor vs West Ham
-
Football2 months agoWatch Harry Maguire turn into Lamine Yamal as he humiliates Bilbao defender
-
Football2 months agoAmorim spotted with new plaster on his knuckles after half-time vs Bilbao
-
Football2 months agoMan Utd fans name two players who ‘can’t start’ in the Europa League final despite win vs Athletic Bilbao