REVEALED: Why Arsenal Signed Viktor Gyokeres over Benjamin Sesko

Arsenal’s pursuit of a new centre-forward this summer was shaped by a compelling internal debate between data and instinct — with Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres eventually winning out due to both pragmatic and philosophical factors within the club’s decision-making hierarchy.

The club’s analytics department had narrowed the shortlist down to two top targets: Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Sesko. According to internal assessments, both players were deemed to be operating at a similar level based on performance metrics. However, there was one crucial distinction. At 27, Gyökeres was considered to be at or near his ceiling, whereas Sesko, only 21, was viewed as a striker with enormous upside who could continue to grow into a world-class talent.

As a result, the analytics staff were nearly unanimous in their preference for Sesko. The RB Leipzig forward offered a higher long-term ceiling and greater resale value. His speed, finishing efficiency, and age profile aligned perfectly with Arsenal’s data-driven model that has guided many recent signings.

Yet, not everyone was completely convinced. Sporting Director Andrea Berta, appointed last year to bring a more experienced and traditional approach to recruitment, had some reservations. Although he respected the data, Berta questioned whether a basic £65 million price tag for Sesko was excessive — particularly when Leipzig showed no signs of softening their position during protracted negotiations.

Berta, known for his ‘old school’ style, still places significant weight on personal scouting, direct relationships with agents and club executives, and evaluating a player’s character and mentality first-hand. While the analytics team leaned on xG models, shot quality metrics, and transition efficiency, Berta relied on what he saw with his own eyes — and what he saw in Gyökeres appealed to him.

The Swedish striker had just come off a sensational season with Sporting, scoring goals at an elite rate while leading the line with strength, movement, and tenacity. Berta also valued Gyökeres’ consistency and maturity — qualities that he believed made him better suited for immediate impact in the Premier League.

When Leipzig began stalling in negotiations and showed no flexibility in their €80m demand, Berta urged the club to pivot. He felt Arsenal risked wasting valuable time in a transfer window where swift action could be crucial. As an alternative to Sesko, he floated Gyökeres as a primary candidate and also mentioned Ollie Watkins and Gonçalo Ramos — both players with established profiles and different strengths.

Ultimately, Berta’s insistence — combined with the analytics team’s acceptance that Gyökeres was still a top-tier performer — led to the shift in Arsenal’s strategy. Negotiations with Sporting accelerated, and a deal was struck at around €63.5m plus add-ons — well below the figure Leipzig were demanding for Sesko.

It was a fascinating case of competing philosophies within a modern football club, highlighting how top-level decisions are not simply based on statistics or gut instinct alone, but often a merger of the two. In this instance, Arsenal leaned slightly more toward the latter — and got their man.