Arsenal is under pressure for hesitating to meet the asking prices for striker targets Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko. Both Sporting CP and RB Leipzig are holding firm on their valuations. Reports suggest there is a price gap of more than £10 million between what Arsenal is offering and what the selling clubs demand.
Despite this, Arsenal remains focused on their strategy and hasn’t let the drawn-out striker negotiations derail other transfer activities. Deals for players like Christian Norgaard (around £10 million) and a potential £20 million move for Cristhian Mosquera are progressing, along with announcements expected for Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
This cautious approach, however, has sparked criticism among fans. Many question why the club is willing to spend nearly £30 million on squad depth but hesitate to pay slightly more for a top striker like Gyokeres or Sesko.
The reasoning is twofold. First, Arsenal’s recent seasons have been hindered by a lack of depth, with injuries forcing players into unfamiliar roles. Prioritizing spending across multiple positions rather than splashing heavily on one player ensures better squad balance.
Second, overpaying for a striker would harm Arsenal’s negotiating power in future deals. Showing they are willing to meet high demands would encourage selling clubs to inflate prices. New sporting director Andrea Berta is taking a calculated approach, preferring patience and negotiation over panic spending, all while keeping the club aligned with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations.
In summary, while the delay in signing a striker has led to criticism, Arsenal’s strategy is built around smart, balanced spending to strengthen multiple areas rather than compromising the entire budget for one marquee signing
