Arsenal's decision to drop interest in RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko and target Viktor Gyokeres instead has been explained.
Slovenia international was a top targetAttention turned to Swedish sensationGunners looking for "immediate impact"Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
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 Premier League title-winning puzzle for the north London outfit.
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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.
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According to , 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".
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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.