Is Viktor Gyokeres right for Arsenal?

Arsenal's Striker Search: Victor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko?

Key Concepts:

• Striker search, Victor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Andre Berta, Sporting CP, RB Leipzig, Alexander Isak, Ollie Watkins, Premier League proven players, elite striker, expected goals (xG), underlying numbers, Football Manager stats, technical stats, mental stats, physicality, direct attacks, positional play, low blocks, high turnovers, positional advantages.

1. Arsenal's Interest in Victor Gyokeres

• Arsenal is developing a strong interest in Victor Gyokeres of Sporting CP for the summer transfer window.
• Gyokeres wasn't initially a top priority but is now under strong consideration.
• Reason for change: The arrival of Andre Berta as sporting director, who is a long-standing admirer of Gyokeres.
• Logic: Gyokeres is a proven goalscorer (especially in Portugal), has Premier League experience (Coventry), and is a premium striker in demand.
• Price: His release clause is €100 million, but there are indications Sporting might sell for less.

2. Other Striker Targets

• Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig): Arsenal has tracked him for a long time, with discussions held last summer. He remains a target.
• Alexander Isak (Newcastle United): Arteta's preferred choice, but Newcastle considers him not for sale, making a deal difficult and expensive.
• Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa): Arsenal considered him in January when Villa needed to sell due to PSR. Interest was circumstantial, and his age and price might be a deterrent now.
• Arteta favors Premier League-proven players (e.g., Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, Ben White, David Raya, Jorginho).

3. Victor Gyokeres: Elite Striker or Not?

• Gyokeres has impressive numbers: 85 goals and 26 assists in 96 games for Sporting.
• He often scores above his expected goals (xG), indicating strong finishing ability.
• Challenge: He plays in Portugal, which isn't a top-five league, making direct comparisons difficult.
• Tactical Observations:
  • He often starts wide (left wing) and moves into the box to shoot.
  • He gets many penalties.
  • He makes runs wide on either wing, not primarily through the middle.
• Football Manager Stats:
  • His finishing is excellent, but his technical skills (dribbling, first touch) aren't elite.
  • He has an elite mentality (determined, aggressive, hard-working).
  • His physicality (acceleration, lateral fitness, stamina, strength) is outstanding.

4. Gyokeres in the Champions League: A Closer Look

• Analysis of his performance against Sturm Graz reveals strengths and weaknesses.
• He runs into space on the left wing, stretching the defense.
• He uses his body to shield the ball effectively.
• Criticism:
  • A Premier League defender might have blocked his initial run.
  • His touch isn't always great, allowing defenders to potentially steal the ball.
  • He can be bodied out of the way by stronger defenders.
• Mario Kart Analogy: Gyokeres is likened to Donkey Kong: slow to build up but unstoppable in a straight line, with strength, high work rate, and aggression.

5. Benjamin Sesko: A More Rounded Option

• Sesko (RB Leipzig) is 21 years old, with 36 goals and 8 assists in 80 games.
• He's 6'4" and physically imposing but more well-rounded than Gyokeres.
• His off-ball movement and technical abilities are better suited to Arsenal's style.
• Tactical Observations:
  • He drops deep to offer a bounce pass and create space.
  • He makes runs towards the front post and then corrects to the back post.
  • He plays through the middle more often.
  • He demonstrates great control in tight spaces.
• Data: Of his last 68 goals, only one was a header.
• Mario Kart Analogy: Sesko is likened to Mario: a well-rounded player suitable for any track, with all the necessary skills.

6. Gyokeres's Output in the Premier League: Will It Scale Up?

• Gyokeres previously played in England (Championship with Coventry).
• The question is whether his physicality will be as dominant in the Premier League.
• Example: Arsenal's Gabriel and William Saliba contained him effectively in a recent match, suggesting Premier League defenses might be more challenging.

7. Would Gyokeres Help Arsenal Score More Goals This Season?

• Arsenal has scored 55 Premier League goals this season, with 41 from open play.
• 26 of the open play goals (63%) came from wide channels.
• 8 goals came from direct attacks, and 10 from high turnovers.
• Argument: Gyokeres might not significantly increase Arsenal's goal tally if they continue playing the same way.
• Headed Goals: Gyokeres has only one headed goal in his last 68, making Sesko a potentially better fit due to his aerial presence.

8. Can Arsenal Change Their Play Style to Suit Gyokeres?

• The key question is whether Arsenal can adapt their system to maximize Gyokeres's strengths.
• Analogy: Manchester City's acquisition of Erling Haaland.
• Haaland's impact: City has improved their goal-scoring ability with Haaland, even though their overall performance has dropped off slightly.
• Question: Can Gyokeres be Arsenal's equivalent of Haaland?

9. How Haaland Integrated into Manchester City's Positional System

• Haaland's role: He wasn't just brought in to score goals but to contribute to the team's overall function.
• Three Examples of Haaland's Impact:
  • Creating Space: Haaland's runs in behind create space for other players.
  • Direct Threat: His presence forces defenses to adjust, creating opportunities for teammates.
  • Positional Play: He contributes to City's positional play, allowing them to control games and create chances.

10. Conclusion

The decision between Victor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko hinges on Arsenal's tactical approach. Gyokeres offers raw power and directness, potentially requiring a system overhaul to maximize his impact. Sesko, with his well-rounded skillset and aerial ability, might be a more seamless fit into Arsenal's existing structure. The ultimate choice depends on whether Arsenal is willing to adapt significantly or prioritize a player who complements their current style of play.