Arsenal handed huge Viktor Gyokeres boost after actions for Sweden against transfer rival

Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko have both been key to Arsenal’s transfer strategy in recent months, and the duo went head-to-head in the latest international break

Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres put on a show for Sweden when he went toe-to-toe with his one-time transfer rival Benjamin Sesko.

The Gunners’ forward played the full match at Slovenia’s Stadion Stozice yesterday (Friday, September 5), setting up Brighton’s Yasin Ayari to put Sweden ahead 2-1, only for Swansea’s Zan Vipotnik to snatch a last-gasp equaliser in a 2-2 draw.

This was the second time this season that Arsenal’s new No. 14 has faced off against Sesko, following their encounter in Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Manchester United – a 1-0 victory for the Gunners at Old Trafford.

Both strikers were hotly tipped as potential signings for Mikel Arteta’s side over the summer. At one point, it seemed Sesko was all but signed, sealed and delivered, but in the end, it was 27-year-old Gyokeres who got the nod and joined the Premier League title race, reports Football London, with Sesko ending up at fallen giants United instead.

Swedish sports site Fotbollskanalen lauded Gyokeres’ performance against Slovenia, writing: “Very strong when the cross came and held it away and passed the ball to Ayari who netted.”

They added: “Strong, unyielding and loyal, and did a great job. Often had two opponents on him.”

Gyokeres and Sesko have had markedly different starts to their English football careers. The Swedish international has been given the lead striker role at Arsenal and has already bagged two goals in three Premier League appearances, both in the 5-0 thrashing of Leeds United.

Sesko, on the other hand, is still waiting for his first league start under Ruben Amorim. The 22-year-old has only clocked up 80 minutes in the Premier League so far, with his sole full match ending in a surprise Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby.

Sesko recently confessed that he is still adapting to the rigours of English football. He stated: “English football is the highest level in the world of football. The level of the matches is certainly much higher [than German football].

“The players and teammates are also at a higher level. I wanted to move to England and, luckily, my wish came true.”

Gyokeres is anticipated to play again for Sweden on Monday in their journey to Kosovo. Arsenal will resume after the international break with a home match against Nottingham Forest.