Arsenal are watching on as their rivals' striker transfer sagas extend into August. They completed the signing of Viktor Gyokeres before their Asian pre-season tour was done. The Gunners got a glimpse of their new Swedish spearhead with two more pre-season matches remaining ahead of the Gunners' season opener against Manchester United.
The club had initially contemplated a move for RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, but the then-unmoving €90million (£78.6million) asking price made Arsenal switch tactics. In less than three weeks, Arsenal had wrapped up a move for Gyokeres. Since then, Leipzig saw interest in the Slovenian change, and a Premier League move had looked unlikely.
However, after the bombshell that Alexander Isak wanted to explore a transfer away from Newcastle had dropped, everything changed. Liverpool have already seen one offer knocked back for the Swedish star with a variety of reports claiming both that the Reds have now no intention in returning to the table until the Magpies' stance changes with others suggesting that a new bid could indeed come in.
Newcastle have now made their own move for Sesko, a player Eddie Howe sees as a replacement for Isak. A move for Yoanne Wissa is proving difficult to agree with Brentford. The offer worth €75million (£65.5million) and €5million (£4.4million) in add-ons for Sesko is thought to be close to the German side’s lowered valuation, but there are yet more issues.
Reports claim Sesko prefers a move to Manchester United, who are yet to make their bid. Newcastle's approach is hoped to show their determination to sign Sesko, but with everything so open, anything could still happen.
If Newcastle agree on a deal for Sesko but Liverpool don’t come back for Isak, it could even start to put financial pressure on the Magpies regarding UEFA Financial Fair Play. The silly season truly has arrived with the turn of the month.
From an unhappy Isak staying and Sesko not being needed to three transfer dominoes falling within the space of days. All the while, Arsenal return to London with their new striker already through the door.
Gyokeres could make his first unofficial start against Villarreal on Wednesday. The Gunners are believed to be very happy with the 27-year-old’s early signs in training and the club will be expected to adapt to the style of their new No.14.
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