Benjamin Sesko vs Viktor Gyokeres: Who Will Be Arsenal’s New No. 9?

It’s a big summer ahead at the Emirates. Arsenal is closer than ever to challenging for major silverware, and everything seems perfect, but still, there’s a missing piece. It’s not something that requires much investigation, but there’s a glaring void up front that needs to be filled if Mikel Arteta’s men are to make that final leap from contenders to champions.

With Gabriel Jesus struggling to stay fit and Kai Havertz thriving more as a connector than a finisher, the club knows it’s time to bring in a proper No. 9. The “time” to be very frank, arrived two years ago, but Arsenal never opted for it. The shortlist has narrowed down to two names that couldn’t be more exciting. Benjamin Šeško and Viktor Gyökeres. Both are modern, dynamic strikers lighting up Europe, but only one might wear red and white next season. So, who fits the bill better?

Šeško: The Future Superstar

Benjamin Šeško’s name has been on everyone’s lips for a while now,  and for good reason. He’s 6-foot-5, just 21 years old, and carries himself with the swagger of someone who knows he’s about to become world-class. He’s already scoring regularly for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga after making waves at Red Bull Salzburg. 

Šeško isn’t just a tall target man. He moves fluidly, links up with teammates, and has a hammer of a right foot. His ability to drop deep or pull wide would fit nicely with Arsenal’s fluid attacking structure. And let’s be honest, there’s something about getting in early on a player who could dominate Europe for the next decade.

However, earlier this year, he signed a contract extension with Leipzig until 2029. While that doesn’t mean he’s off the market, it does complicate things. There’s a release clause buried in the deal, reportedly in the £55–60 million range. It is unclear whether it kicks in this summer or next. There’s also word of a gentleman’s agreement for a 2025 departure, which might put Arsenal in a holding pattern unless they move quickly. Waiting a year might not be an option for Arteta anymore as the Gunners spend a fifth consecutive trophyless season.

Gyökeres: The Now Man

Then there’s Viktor Gyökeres, arguably the most in-form striker in Europe. After bagging 21 goals for Coventry in the Championship, the Swedish powerhouse has exploded at Sporting CP. We’re talking 52 goals and 15 assists in all competitions this season and 67 goals in 65 games since he’s been in Portugal! Yes, you read that right.

He’s a nightmare to defend against. Strong, fast, relentless, and deceptively clever. Gyökeres doesn’t just score, he presses, creates, and leads. He’s made for Premier League football, and there’s a growing feeling that he is ready for the step up. For Arsenal, he ticks a bunch of boxes. He can play as a lone striker, work the channels, and press from the front. All vital ingredients in Arteta’s high-energy blueprint. And unlike Šeško, he’s in his prime at 26 and ready to make an immediate impact.

The price? His release clause is a steep £85 million, but reports from Portugal suggest Sporting might accept closer to £60 million. Arsenal is said to have already tabled a contract offer worth around £7 million per year. Gyökeres is reportedly keen on a Premier League move, with North London being his preferred destination.

Who Fits Arsenal Better?

Readiness: Gyökeres is ready-made. He’s confident, battle-tested, and already performing at an elite level. Šeško, while immensely talented, is still a work in progress. He’s not yet a finished product, and Arsenal needs someone who can deliver from day one. None better than the front-runner for the European Golden Boot.

Both players suit Arsenal’s system in different ways. Šeško would give Mikel Arteta more variety as he could offer more on the ball and long-term flexibility than the 26-year-old. Gyökeres brings pace, intensity, and guaranteed output, perfect for a side trying to win now. 

Gyökeres might be the better-value signing this summer. Despite the higher release clause, he’s more accessible now. Šeško’s situation is murkier and might drag out, which Arsenal can’t afford as they prepare for another tight title race and the Champions League. 

Verdict: Gyökeres Should Be the One

It’s a tough call. Šeško has superstar written all over him, and Arsenal fans would no doubt love to watch him blossom in red. But the timing doesn’t feel quite right. Arsenal is building something special, and they’re almost there. They don’t need a project right now. 

They need a killer. Someone who walks in and turns all their super xGs and missed chances into goals. Someone who can handle the pressure of big Champions League nights. Someone who doesn’t flinch when the Premier League title is on the line. That looks like Viktor Gyökeres.

If Arsenal wants to close the gap between Champions Liverpool and Manchester City and go the distance in Europe, they need a striker already doing it. Not one who might be ready in two years. Gyökeres could be the final piece of the puzzle. And if Edu can pull it off this summer, Arsenal fans might finally start to believe that the long 21-year wait for glory is ending.