Arsenal’s transfer game: patience key as clubs hold firm on valuations

It could be argued that folk on social media aren't always the most patient when it comes to transfers involving their team but Arsenal fans have taken that to whole new level when it comes to Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.

Even the respected content creator @EGTVEgal posted today that he is tired of the constant Sesko and Gyokeres updates on X, and it's easy to understand why with conflicting information appearing in the media almost by the hour.

However, the frustration being shown by fans now is a symptom of a much deeper frustration that fans are feeling on the back of Arteta not being proactive and signing a striker last season.

Paranoia that a deal for a striker won't get done shouldn't affect negotiations

Now, with fans acutely aware of the need to sign at least one centre forward player during this summer window, paranoia that a deal won't be done at all is perhaps beginning to creep into the psyche.

The chess match with RB Leipzig over Sesko appears to have reached an impasse, while the Sporting president Frederico Varandas seems to be doing all that he can to sabotage the move in a fit of stubbornness and spite.

Which of the two deals goes through is anybody's guess right now but fans can agree that whatever option sporting director Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta plump for, a deal needs to be done sooner rather than later.

Patience is a virtue, so the saying goes, and gunners fans will need plenty of patience this summer. Berta is not going to pay over the odds for a player just to get the deal done and nether should he be expected to.

Player negotiations are a game not for the faint-hearted

As Tom Canton pointed out yesterday on his podcast The Gooner Talk, 'negotiation is a game'.

Canton is correct in his assertion about the nature of negotiation in football, but it's not for the faint hearted. Buyers need to be prepared to walk away when the seller plays hardball over an inflated price.

Unlike Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City, Arsenal have a strong reputation in the transfer market and will not be bullied.

This could mean that Berta gives up on both Sesko and Gyokeres. Arsenal fans need to be ready for that. It could be a very long window indeed.