Italian transfer guru Alfredo Pedulla says that Arsenal’s first choice for the striker position is Viktor Gyokeres and not Benjamin Sesko, with Juventus needing the Gunners to pull out of the race to have a chance of signing the Sporting Lisbon star.
The Gunners have made the signing of a top class striker their number one priority for the summer transfer window.
READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2025: All the Done Deals
Most media outlets have claimed that Sesko is Arsenal’s first choice for the role with Gyokeres the backup option, but Pedulla insists that the Swede is absolutely the priority of the Gunners.
Pedulla says that Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta much prefers Gyokeres over Sesko.
He adds that the negotiations for Gyokeres have been complicated by the war that has erupted between the player’s entourage and his club over his asking price.
Gyokeres’ agents claim that Sporting broke a promise to sell him for less than €70m this summer, while Sporting have denied a promise was ever made.
Juventus also consider Gyokeres their dream striker signing for the summer but Pedulla stresses that the only way the Bianconeri can realistically buy him is if Arsenal withdraw from the race.
What did Alfredo Pedulla say?
“I’ve known for a month that the first choice for Arsenal in the striker position is Gyokeres,” Pedulla told The Italian Football Podcast.
“Then there were all the issues between the president of Sporting Lisbon and Gyokeres’ agent (over the alleged promises about his asking price).
“Andrea Berta, the new Arsenal sporting director, prefers Gyokeres over Sesko.
“Many say that Sesko is the first choice of Arsenal. This is not the news I have. Gyokeres is Arsenal’s priority.
“Gyokeres is possible [for Juventus] if Arsenal withdraw (from the race).
“Juventus cannot compete with Arsenal.”
Gyokeres is also wanted by Man Utd and Saudi Pro League teams.
However, it was widely reported over the weekend that Gyokeres has told Man Utd that they are not a priority destination for him as they failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Gyokeres is the hottest striking property around right now after having an incredible season, scoring 54 goals in 52 games in all competitions, and leading Sporting to another league title.
This follows on from his brilliant form from last season for Sporting where he scored 43 goals in all competitions for his club.
As for Sesko, he will definitely leave Leipzig this summer.
Sesko scored an impressive 21 goals in 45 games in all competitions this past season.
Sesko scored 18 goals in 42 games for his club in 2023-24 and went to Euro 2024 with Slovenia.
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