Arsenal are reportedly closing in on signing Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, as Mikel Arteta may have narrowed down on his striker target.
According to Portuguese outlet Leonino, Arsenal are close to capturing Viktor Gyokeres as their preferred centre-forward option. They must still discuss the finances with Sporting CP, who may end up making their record sale by letting the Swedish forward join the Gunners.
Arsenal to sign Viktor Gyokeres?
The media seems to be barely getting any whiff at Arsenal’s targets, let alone making a firm decision on which positions Mikel Arteta wants to sign. They might end up signing a new midfielder and an attacker, with some level of clarity needed on whether they want a striker or a wide forward. They are linked with Nico Williams for the wide role, while numerous names have been discussed for the central role.
After failing to land Benjamin Sesko, who ended up extending his stay at RB Leipzig, Arsenal are not so keen on Victor Osimhen, owing to multiple factors, especially his price tag. However, they might be now interested in Viktor Gyokeres, who had been linked with a move to the Emirates since the season ended.
Arsenal are interested in the Swedish striker after an astonishing season with Sporting, where he notched 43 goals from 50 games in all competitions. The Portuguese side are considering a sale, that would be their biggest so far, as they are protected by an £85 million release clause in Gyokeres’ contract.
Their current record sale came when Bruno Fernandes joined Manchester United in January 2020, and now they will be hoping to get more from Gyokeres’s sale. The report states that Arsenal are very close to signing the Swede but will have to finalise the finances with Sporting, as the two teams could negotiate over a price.
Arsenal plan to improve their attack
Arsenal are keen to add to their attack, either by bringing a central striker or adding to the wings. Whether they will agree to Sporting’s valuation of Gyokeres remains the question, but they could undoubtedly tempt the Swede to join them this summer. Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee remains an option, and the Dutchman will be a cheaper alternative to the likes of Gyokeres or Osimhen.
While repeated reports have suggested their need for a prolific goalscorer, Gyokeres would make sense only if the price pleases Arsenal chiefs. Arteta will likely keep faith in Kai Havertz to lead the line when the season begins and will have Gabriel Jesus to deputise, meaning the Gunners are sufficiently covered in the position.
