Arsenal seal £28m discount on next transfer after Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko decision

Arsenal look set for a significant financial boost from their decision to formally pursue a transfer for Viktor Gyokeres over Benjamin Sesko. Talks for the two strikers had been held for the last few months with sporting director Andrea Berta working on both deals simultaneously.

Though the Gunners had not announced any new signings until last week, when the arrivals of Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga were confirmed, plenty of talks were being held. Since arriving at Emirates Stadium back in March, that has been the method used by Berta.

Identify and make contact with multiple targets in order to be ready for any possible outcome. As Sesko was the favoured signing for some time, not much work was needed to switch focus onto Gyokeres with that evidenced by how close Arsenal and Sporting CP are to reaching an agreement.

READ MORE: Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal transfer announcement drops major hint over next deal

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Negotiations for Sesko on the other hand, stalled for some time with the Gunners unwilling to meet Leipzig's significant demands. Sky Sports Germany have claimed their asking price was £86million (€100m) and that no lower offers would be considered.

Despite the saga surrounding Gyokeres and his price tag, pivoting to the Swede was seemingly an easy decision given his willingness to join with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano also revealing that Sporting want far less.

Speaking in a new video, he said: “There was new contact last night between Arsenal and Sporting to try accelerate and close the deal for Viktor Gyokeres, but Sporting are still not accepting the final details of the proposal. It doesn’t mean it’s over, it’s part of the negotiations.

"Sporting are insisting on €70m (£60.2m) fixed fee, while Arsenal were starting at €65m (£55.9m) plus add-ons. The situation is getting tense with the player, because Gyokeres only wants to go to Arsenal.

“To fulfil his dream of going to Arsenal, Gyokeres is giving up €2m (£1.7m) from his salary package to facilitate the negotiations. He’s putting that money from his own pocket to the Arsenal bid to Sporting. Gyokeres is pushing like crazy [for the move].”

Considering the funds saved from Gyokeres' wage decision and Sporting's demands, that could be a total saving of just under £28million. With £60million already spent and a further £15million heading to Brentford for Christian Norgaard, the Gunners would welcome having some extra cash in the coffers.

Following the expected arrival of Gyokeres, more signings should be sealed with at least one of Eberechi Eze, Rodrygo or Noni Madueke likely to join.

Chelsea want £50million for the latter but Arsenal's own valuation of the 23-year-old is slightly below that. Real Madrid are also expected to demand significant funds for Rodrygo and the money saved from their striker decision could help them reach that sum if he is the target they pursue.