Arsenal have a growing interest in Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres for a summer transfer, according to David Ornstein.
David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that Arsenal are developing a strong interest in Viktor Gyokeres as they consider their summer recruitment options up front.
New sporting director Andrea Berta is a big fan of Gyokeres, and the striker is expected to figure prominently among Arsenal’s potential additions in the upcoming window.
Though Mikel Arteta is a big fan of Alexander Isak, Ornstein points out that Newcastle United have no intention of letting the player leave, and it would require a massive fee for them to even consider it.
Benjamin Sesko is seemingly the other striker in the mix, and he’d be a lot less expensive than Isak, but Ornstein reports that it’s unclear whether Arsenal will go ahead with a move for the player amid rival interest in him.
The Portuguese media recently reported that Arsenal had requested a formal meeting with Gyokeres’ agent, who is a friend of Arteta.
Back in November, The Telegraph claimed that Sporting would refuse to sell for any less than Gyokeres’ €100m (£83.6m) release clause in January, but that they could let him leave for closer to £63m in the summer.
That could explain why Arsenal delayed a move despite their current need for a striker. Saving £20m and potentially getting a better deal on payment terms would likely have appealed to those in charge at the club.
Gyokeres continues to score for fun for Sporting, adding another two goals and an assist in their 3-0 win over CF Estrela Amadora at the weekend.
The striker has scored a huge 17 penalties for Sporting this season, but he also has 25 goals from open play in his 42 appearances, as well as 11 assists. So even without the penalties (some of which he won himself), 36 goal contributions in 42 games is impressive.
Add to that another nine goals and four assists in his last six matches for Sweden. Including the penalties and internationals, he’s at 51 goals in 2024/25 alone.
The question marks are over whether he can replicate that form outside of Portugal and the Nations League C, as well as whether his strengths suit Arsenal.
Gyokeres excels in transition and at taking advantage of open spaces, but those aren’t necessarily areas the Gunners regularly get opportunities in. It’s up to Arteta, Berta, and co. to make the call now.