“We believed that…”: Arteta explains why Arsenal snubbed Sesko in favour of Gyokeres last summer

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 with United, in part due to the prospect of reuniting with his former coach, Ruben Amorim. Gyokeres’ record-breaking form in Portugal has yet to translate into fireworks in the Premier League. Ahead of United’s meeting with Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday, Arteta revealed why they settled on Gyokeres ahead of Sesko. Arteta’s Sesko explanation Asked why Gyokeres instead of Sesko, the 43-year-old answered [as quoted by the Metro], “Well, at the end, we have to make a decision, and we believed that Victor was the best one in the scenario that we were in.” “The qualities that we didn’t have in that number nine as well, because we have the situation with Gabby and Kai out for many, many months, and we are very happy to have him.” He added about Gyokeres’ attributes, “Well, first of all, goals. Someone that can guarantee you goals.” “We know that word doesn’t exist, but then someone very direct, very powerful, a proper nine who can stretch the pitch, who has the goal between the eyes, and somebody that can stretch the pitch for us a bit more, especially when we have to play against certain opposition.” When pressed further on Gyokeres’s underwhelming start in England, Arteta was predictably guarded on the subject, urging patience and more time for the Swedish striker to adapt. Arsenal vs. United kicks off at 4.30pm. Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!