Arsenal have been urged to shelve their interest in top strikers Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko and sign ‘unique’ Julian Alvarez instead.
The Gunners have held talks with both Gyokeres and Sesko as they look to add a new striker to Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Gyokeres, 27, has scored an incredible 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting Lisbon since being signed from Championship side Coventry City in 2023.
Sesko, 22, is yet to hit those numbers but has enjoyed two productive seasons at RB Leipzig, netting 39 goals.
Arsenal’s hunt for a new striker was boosted by reports from Portugal which claimed Gyokeres had snubbed Manchester United in favour of a move to the Emirates Stadium.
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But Arsenal are said to be growing frustrated with negotiations with both Gyokeres and Sporting, leaving them inclined to prioritise a deal for Sesko.
But ex-England winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has huge doubts over Sesko and believes Arsenal should instead make a move for Alvarez.
The Argentine World Cup winner enjoyed a superb first season at Atletico Madrid, scoring 29 goals following an £81.5m move from Manchester City last summer.
Alvarez won two Premier League titles and the Champions League at the Etihad Stadium but struggled to cement a regular place in the team, especially following the arrival of superstar striker Erling Haaland.
Arsenal and Premier League champions Liverpool are said to be admirers of Alvarez but there is no suggestion at this stage that Atletico would sanction a summer sale.
‘If I was Arsenal, I’d want Julian Alvarez ahead of any other option,’ Wright-Phillips told Prime Casino when asked if the Gunners should sign Gyokeres or Sesko.
‘Alvarez is unique with his mobility and finishing. He’s got experience, having won everything so much. To have him in your armoury, it would just be exceptional.
‘Between Sesko and Gyokeres, I’d go for Gyokeres. I think he’s able to bully defences. He works hard, he’s got all the qualities you’d want.
‘He’s got a lot of confidence in front of goal, and I think Arsenal need a bit of that, some swagger and aggression. Someone who can’t be bullied off the ball.
‘I like Sesko too, he’s a nice player. He reminds me a bit of Dimitar Berbatov, how he looks so relaxed, so technically gifted.
‘I think he’s the one who isn’t suited to Arsenal though, he doesn’t seem suited to a high press that Mikel Arteta likes, whereas Gyokeres would give you that.’
Wright-Phillips questions Zubimendi transfer
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo and manager Diego Simeone have both issued hands-off warning to clubs eyeing moves for Alvarez.
As well as targeting a new striker, Arsenal are set to sign Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
But Wright-Phillips struggles to see where the £55m star will fit in at the Emirates Stadium and is surprised Arsenal are working on that deal before signing a new No. 9.
‘I think he’s a good player,’ he added. ‘But when you’ve got Thomas Partey and Declan Rice there, it’s not clear where Zubimendi fits in the team.
‘Even if Partey leaves, with Martin Odegaard and Rice there, you’re going to struggle to find somewhere for him.
‘I think Arsenal need to be careful with what they prioritise. Everyone talks about them needing a striker.
‘I think they need to be going all-out for a striker, but instead they’re pushing for Zubimendi.’
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