Arsenal’s Striker Dilemma: Gyokeres and Sesko Struggle to Shine

Arsenal’s striker situation has become increasingly complex as both **Viktor Gyokeres** and **Benjamin Sesko** grapple with performance challenges. Earlier in 2025, Manchester United were taken aback by reports suggesting a potential deal for Sesko, who many anticipated would join Arsenal. Instead, Gyokeres has filled the striking role, but recent performances raise questions about his future in the team.

Gyokeres scored a crucial goal against **Inter Milan**, yet his position remains under scrutiny. With **Gabriel Jesus** netting two goals recently, the debate intensifies over who should be Arsenal’s starting No. 9. This situation is further complicated by Sesko’s own struggles, leading to speculation that neither player may start in the upcoming matches.

The broader context reveals a troubling trend among major summer striker signings. Gyokeres, Sesko, **Liam Delap**, and **Alexander Isak** collectively have recorded just **16 goals**, a stark contrast to **Erling Haaland’s** individual tally of **20**. The total goals from these four players, alongside **Hugo Ekitike** of Liverpool, highlight a significant underperformance given their combined transfer fees exceeding **£345 million**. This translates to approximately **£17 million** per goal, or **£23 million** if Ekitike’s contributions are excluded.

Despite this lack of scoring, it is essential not to dismiss these players outright. Each has faced unique challenges. Delap and Isak have dealt with significant injuries, while Sesko, at just **22 years old**, is adjusting to a new team environment. Gyokeres is also adapting to the demands of a more competitive league. Their difficulties reflect a larger shift in the football market, particularly the evolving role of strikers.

The summer transfer window highlighted an increased demand for strikers, with clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Newcastle United vying for top talent. They focused on a limited pool of seven prospects, including Sesko, Gyokeres, Ekitike, Isak, Delap, **Ollie Watkins**, and **Victor Osimhen**. Ultimately, Newcastle opted for **Nick Woltemade**, whose versatility may not fit the traditional striker mold.

The inflated prices for these players indicate a disconnect between market value and on-field performance. For instance, clubs viewed the **£30 million** release clause for Delap as a “no-brainer,” especially when compared to the higher fees associated with others. This has led to questions about whether Delap might regret joining Chelsea, given the influx of attackers in their squad.

Concerns over the ability of these strikers to consistently score for top Premier League clubs further complicate matters. The dynamics of the No. 9 position have changed significantly, influenced by pressing tactics that prioritize team play over individual scoring. As youth academies adapt, the development of prolific finishers has not kept pace with the demands of modern football.

A notable example is **Erling Haaland**, whose scoring prowess has benefitted from a system designed to maximize his strengths. In contrast, players like Sesko have struggled to find their footing in teams that do not play to their advantages. The recent resurgence of Sesko, indicated by two goals against **Burnley**, serves as a reminder of the potential impact of proper tactical alignment.

Gyokeres has faced similar scrutiny, despite Arsenal’s belief in his ability to succeed. Concerns about his finishing capabilities have emerged, with analytics suggesting that many of his previous goals in Portugal would likely have been saved by Premier League goalkeepers. **Mikel Arteta**, Arsenal’s manager, appreciates Gyokeres’ contributions but has expressed frustrations over his inability to hold the ball effectively and his reluctance to make runs into the box.

The recent improvement in Gyokeres’ form, highlighted by scoring one goal against Chelsea and another against Inter, raises hopes that he may find the confidence needed to thrive. In contrast, Sesko’s youth offers him room for growth, with **Manchester United** recognizing his potential through sharp movement and adaptability.

Ultimately, Arsenal’s decision to invest **£55 million** in Gyokeres instead of pursuing a higher-profile striker like Isak was influenced by the need for depth rather than solely focusing on goal-scoring. Arsenal accumulated **91 goals** in the previous season, highlighting that their primary concern was not the quantity of goals but rather the versatility within their attacking options.

As the season progresses, the question remains whether either Gyokeres or Sesko will rise to the occasion. Arsenal’s current performance suggests that if they had a player of Haaland’s caliber, they would likely be in a significantly stronger position. With both players facing mounting pressure, the spotlight will be on them as they seek to turn their fortunes around on the pitch.