Arteta Explains Gyokeres Over Sesko: The Two Factors That Left United Bewildered

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has laid bare the thinking behind his summer transfer decision to recruit Viktor Gyokeres instead of Benjamin Sesko, a choice that apparently caught Manchester United off guard.

Both strikers emerged as Arsenal's principal targets when the Gunners sought attacking reinforcements following a toothless campaign up front. Ultimately, Gyokeres arrived from abroad for approximately £64m, while Sesko completed his switch to Old Trafford for around £74m.

The pair will lock horns on Sunday when Arsenal welcome United to the Emirates, though neither has hit the ground running in the Premier League thus far.

According to reports, United found themselves in the unexpected position of securing Sesko, with multiple clubs having assumed Arsenal would move for him instead. Arteta has now clarified the rationale behind his preference for the Swedish international.

The Arsenal manager pinpointed two key attributes that swayed his decision. First came Gyokeres' proven ability to find the back of the net—a non-negotiable requirement in Arteta's eyes. Beyond that, the manager sought a player possessing physical intensity and directness, capable of stretching opposition defences and serving as a traditional focal point in attack.

"We believed that Victor was the best one in the scenario that we were in," Arteta explained. "The qualities that we didn't have in that number nine, especially with Gabby and Kai out for many, many months—we are very happy to have him."

When expanding on his striker requirements, the boss elaborated: "First of all, goals. Someone that can guarantee you goals. Someone very direct, very powerful, a proper nine who can stretch the pitch, who has the goal between the eyes."

As for Gyokeres' stuttering adaptation to English football, Arteta proved reluctant to pass judgment. He stressed that it remains premature to draw conclusions, pointing to the broader context of how the game is evolving and how centre-forwards across the division are performing. A full season's assessment, he suggested, would paint a far clearer picture than early-campaign struggles.