Arsenal’s Next Striker: Gyokeres, Sesko, or Isak? Who’s the Best Fit for 2025-26?
Arsenal’s quest for a clinical No. 9 has been a hot topic in the 2024-25 season. With injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus exposing their lack of a true goal-scoring striker, Mikel Arteta is poised to make a blockbuster signing in the summer of 2025. The Gunners, currently 5th in the Premier League and in the Champions League semifinals (with a 60-65% chance of beating PSG), need a forward to elevate their title challenge and secure European glory. Three names stand out: Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP), Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig), and Alexander Isak (Newcastle United). But who’s the best fit for Arsenal’s ambitions? Let’s dive into their profiles, stats, and tactical suitability to find out.
Arsenal’s Striker Needs for 2025-26
Arsenal’s 53 Premier League goals this season (6th-highest) pale in comparison to leaders Liverpool’s 69, underscoring the need for a prolific striker. In the Champions League, their strong run (27% chance of winning, per Opta) hinges on converting chances against elite defenses like Inter Milan’s (0.42 goals conceded per game). Arteta’s 4-2-3-1 system demands a striker who can:
- Score consistently: Address Arsenal’s reliance on wingers like Bukayo Saka.
- Break down low blocks: Common in the EPL, where teams like Everton and Fulham stifle Arsenal.
- Press and link play: Fit Arteta’s high-pressing, possession-based style.
- Thrive in the CL: Exploit transitions against teams like PSG or Inter.
- Offer value: Balance immediate impact with long-term potential within Financial Fair Play (FFP) constraints.
Player Profiles: Gyokeres, Sesko, and Isak
1. Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP)
Age: 26 (27 in June 2025)
2024-25 Stats:
- Primeira Liga: 30 goals, 7 assists in 26 games (1.15 goals per game).
- Champions League: 5 goals, 2 assists in 8 games (e.g., hat-trick vs. Manchester City).
- Total: 40 goals, 10 assists in 41 games.
Attributes: Gyokeres is a powerful, instinctive finisher (1.88m, 6ft 2in) with pace and durability. He overperforms xG (30 goals from ~25 xG), excelling in transitions and big games (goals vs. Bayern, City). However, his 68% pass accuracy and reliance on open spaces raise concerns about his fit against EPL low blocks.
Tactical Fit: His goal-scoring (85 goals in 92 games for Sporting) addresses Arsenal’s need for a focal point. His pressing suits Arteta’s style, but his limited EPL experience (Championship with Coventry) and weaker link-up play could hinder him against compact defenses.
Transfer Details: €65m-€70m (£54.4m-£58.5m), with Sporting open to a summer sale. Arsenal’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, is a long-time admirer, though Manchester United and Chelsea are also interested.
Fan View: “Gyokeres is a goal machine at £60m, but will he handle EPL physicality?” – X post
2. Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig)
Age: 21 (22 in May 2025)
2024-25 Stats:
- Bundesliga: 10 goals, 3 assists in 22 games (0.45 goals per game).
- Champions League: 4 goals, 1 assist in 8 games.
- Total: 14 goals, 3 assists in 27 games.
Attributes: Sesko (1.95m, 6ft 4in) combines height, pace, and close control, with Haaland-esque movement. He’s strong aerially (60% duel win rate) but slightly underperforms xG (10 goals from ~12 xG) due to Leipzig’s struggles (6th in Bundesliga). His youth suggests a high ceiling.
Tactical Fit: Sesko’s physicality and ability to act as a target man make him ideal for EPL low blocks. His pressing and runs in behind suit Arteta’s system, and his CL goals (vs. Bayern, Dortmund) show promise. However, his developing finishing requires patience.
Transfer Details: €70m-€80m (£58.6m-£67m) release clause, with a “gentleman’s agreement” for a 2025 exit. Arsenal lead Chelsea and Liverpool, given their prior pursuit.
Fan View: “Sesko’s youth and height make him perfect for Arsenal’s style. Future star!” – X post
3. Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)
Age: 25
2024-25 Stats:
- Premier League: 12 goals, 4 assists in 20 games (0.6 goals per game).
- Total: 14 goals, 5 assists in 25 games (including Carabao Cup final goal).
Attributes: Isak’s pace, dribbling, and clever positioning draw Henry comparisons. He overperforms xG (12 goals from ~9 xG) and is EPL-proven (59 goals in 101 Newcastle games). His 72% pass accuracy and versatility shine, but injuries are a concern.
Tactical Fit: Isak is Arteta’s “dream target,” excelling against low blocks with dribbling and link-up play. His big-game record (goals vs. Arsenal, Liverpool) and pressing make him ideal for both EPL and CL, though his cost and injury history are risks.
Transfer Details: £100m-£150m, potentially a club-record fee. Newcastle’s reluctance and Isak’s 2028 contract make a deal unlikely, despite interest from Liverpool and Chelsea.
Fan View: “Isak is generational, but £150m? Sesko’s better value.” – X post
Comparison Table
| Criteria | Gyokeres | Sesko | Isak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 26 | 21 | 25 |
| Goals (2024-25) | 40 (41 games) | 14 (27 games) | 14 (25 games) |
| Assists | 10 | 3 | 5 |
| xG Performance | High | Slight underperformance | High |
| EPL Experience | Limited | None | Proven |
| CL Performance | 5 goals, 2 assists | 4 goals, 1 assist | N/A |
| Tactical Fit | Good | Very good | Excellent |
| Cost | £54.4m-£58.5m | £58.6m-£67m | £100m-£150m |
| Injury Risk | Low | Low | Moderate |
| Transfer Likelihood | High | Very high | Low |
How They Impact Arsenal’s EPL and CL Goals
Premier League
Isak: His EPL-proven finishing and low-block penetration (e.g., goals vs. Arsenal) make him the best bet for an immediate title challenge. However, his £150m cost and injuries are hurdles.
Sesko: His physicality and aerial ability suit compact defenses, offering 15-20 goals in his first season. His youth requires patience, but he’s a cost-effective option for a 2026-27 push.
Gyokeres: His 40 goals are enticing, but transitioning from Primeira Liga to EPL’s physicality is risky. He may struggle against low blocks, unlike Isak or Sesko.
Champions League
Isak: No 2024-25 CL experience, but his big-game nous suggests he’d shine against Inter’s defense (predicted 1-0 Arsenal final win).
Sesko: His 4 CL goals and height could trouble Inter’s back-three. His potential fits Arsenal’s long-term European ambitions.
Gyokeres: His CL pedigree (hat-trick vs. City) is strong, but Inter’s compact setup (8 clean sheets) could neutralize him, as in their 1-0 win over Arsenal.
Who Should Arsenal Sign?
Benjamin Sesko is the best signing for Arsenal in 2025-26, offering the perfect balance of immediate impact, long-term value, and transfer feasibility.
- Why Sesko? His height (1.95m) and movement unlock low blocks, addressing Arsenal’s EPL struggles (e.g., draws vs. Fulham). His pressing and CL goals (vs. Bayern) suit Arteta’s system, and his €70m price fits FFP. At 21, he’s a future star who can grow with Saka and Ødegaard.
- Impact: Expect 15-20 EPL goals and 5-7 CL goals, pushing Arsenal to 2nd-3rd in the EPL and a CL semifinal or final in 2025-26.
- Alternatives: Isak is ideal but too costly (£150m), while Gyokeres’ £60m price is appealing but carries EPL adaptation risks.
Recommendation: Arsenal should target Sesko for a €70m deal in June 2025, with Gyokeres as a fallback at £60m. Isak is a dream only if Newcastle lower their demands.
Final Thoughts
Arsenal’s striker search is pivotal to their EPL and CL aspirations. Sesko’s youth, tactical fit, and affordability make him the smartest choice, positioning the Gunners to challenge Manchester City and conquer Europe. Who would you pick? Share your thoughts below!
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