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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has explained why his side opted to sign Viktor Gyokeres instead of Manchester United star Benjamin Sesko.

Sesko getting up to speed

United headed into the summer transfer window with a clear objective of bolstering their attacking department after a goal-shy 2024/25 campaign. The club forked out north of £200m on the signings of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Sesko.

The Red Devils had kept tabs on Sesko for several years before finally landing him. He has displayed flashes of his considerable potential, particularly through his intelligent movement, aerial prowess, and hold-up play. However, as the player himself has acknowledged, there remains significant room for development before he can be considered a complete striker.

Sesko has made 17 Premier League appearances so far, contributing four goals and one assist.

The Slovenian’s future at Old Trafford looks bright but he could have easily been playing for Arsenal. Like United, the Gunners had earmarked Sesko as a primary target.

Arsenal held talks with both RB Leipzig and Sesko’s representatives but the North London outfit eventually opted to shift their attention elsewhere instead, completing a £64m deal for Gyokeres. Interestingly, Gyokeres was also strongly linked...