Arteta Details Arsenal's Striker Selection Process
Mikel Arteta has publicly explained the reasoning behind Arsenal's decision to pursue Viktor Gyokeres over Benjamin Sesko during the summer transfer window. The Gunners manager offered insights into the club's strategic thinking when faced with two prominent striking options.
Summer Transfer Window Decisions
Arsenal conducted thorough evaluations of both forwards before committing to Gyokeres in a substantial £64 million deal from Sporting CP. Meanwhile, Sesko secured his own Premier League move, with Manchester United completing a £73.7 million transfer from RB Leipzig for the younger striker.
The contrasting paths have yielded different early-season returns. Gyokeres, aged 27, has contributed nine goals across 27 appearances for Arsenal this campaign. Sesko, at 22 years old, has registered five goals in 19 matches for Manchester United since his arrival.
Arteta's Justification for Gyokeres Selection
When questioned about preferring Gyokeres to Sesko, Arteta provided a clear rationale. '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 Arsenal manager stated.
Arteta emphasized the specific qualities Arsenal sought to address their squad needs. '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.'
Defining Arsenal's Striker Requirements
Arteta elaborated on the profile Arsenal targeted during their recruitment process. 'Well, first of all, goals. Someone that can guarantee you goals,' he began, acknowledging the inherent uncertainty in such guarantees.
The manager further specified: '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.'
Resisting Early Judgments on Performance
Despite external criticism directed at Gyokeres' performances this season, including comments from former player Michael Owen suggesting Arsenal might already be seeking replacements, Arteta remains supportive of his summer acquisition.
The Arsenal manager cautioned against premature assessments. 'It's very early to assess,' Arteta remarked. 'I mean, let's assess at the end of the season and something like that. Even a very short sample.'
Arteta highlighted multiple factors influencing player evaluation in the modern game. 'And understanding as well the league that we are competing and what is happening with the nines across the league as well, in the manner that the game is changing. So there are a lot of factors there to bear in mind to assess the player and then we're going to assess the player not only with one of the aspects of the game but in many aspects of the game.'
Arteta concluded by reaffirming Arsenal's satisfaction with their transfer decision, stating the club remains 'very happy' with their choice to bring Gyokeres to North London despite the alternative option of Sesko moving to a direct Premier League rival.
