Arsenal are pushing ahead in the race to sign one of Europe’s most prolific strikers, with the player understood to favour a move to the Emirates.
Arsenal have reportedly chosen Viktor Gyökeres as their most realistic striker target for the summer transfer window and are confident of winning the race for the Sporting CP forward, who is understood to prefer a move to north London over Manchester United under his former boss.
The club’s newly appointed sporting director, Andrea Berta, is spearheading the push to bring the 26-year-old to the Emirates after previously attempting to sign him for Atletico Madrid. According to a report in El Nacional, Arsenal have already submitted an opening offer in the region of €60 million (£50.9m).
Sporting, who currently sit top of the Primeira Liga on goal difference with two matches remaining, are in no rush to sell their prolific forward. However, sources close to the player suggest a verbal agreement exists that would see him allowed to depart for a fee between €65-70 million, even though his release clause sits at €100 million (£84.8m).
Gyökeres has enjoyed another phenomenal season in Lisbon, scoring 52 goals and providing 12 assists in 49 appearances, making him one of the most in-demand centre-forwards in Europe. Last season, he scored 43, with 15 assists, in 50 games. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is understood to view him as a perfect fit for his side, combining physicality with intelligent movement and pressing ability.
Despite interest from Manchester United, whose hopes of Champions League football rest on winning the Europa League, the striker is rumoured to have told former manager Rúben Amorim, now at Old Trafford, that he would only consider United if top-tier European football is guaranteed, although this has not been confirmed.
In contrast, Arsenal’s consistent presence in the Champions League and their title-challenging form under Arteta are thought to appeal more strongly that United, who are currently 15th in the Premier League.
Sources also claim that contact between Arsenal and Sporting has intensified in recent weeks, with Arsenal aiming to move early to avoid a bidding war. The striker has not yet informed Sporting of his preferred destination, but optimism is said to growing in north London.
Arsenal’s interest in dream signing Alexander Isak has not entirely faded, but Newcastle United are determined to resist any sale unless an exceptional offer is made and that is beyond Arsenal’s budget. Benjamin Šeško also remains an option, and the club also made unsuccessful approaches for Ollie Watkins in January which could be revisited.
Still, Gyökeres is now considered the most attainable and decisive solution to a problem that has haunted Arsenal throughout the season: the absence of a natural No 9.
Injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have forced Arteta to rely on the likes of Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard, but none offer the consistent presence Arsenal require, despite how well they’ve performed in the role when fit or asked.
A summer overhaul is expected to include at least one forward (likely at least two, including a winger) and a defensive midfielder, with Martín Zubimendi of Real Sociedad also expected to join.