Arsenal are now in talks to seal an early summer deal for a “sensational” striker, who has now emerged as their top target, according to a report.
Gunners' striker pursuit heating up
These are exciting times for the Gunners, who are daring to dream after defeating Real Madrid over two legs to reach the Champions League semi-final, but there is a feeling a top striker could be the final piece of the jigsaw in their Premier League title pursuit next season.
As such, the north Londoners are now ramping up their pursuit of a new forward, and talks have now been held over a deal for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, with sporting director Andre Berta trying to convince the Slovenian to move to the Emirates Stadium.
However, given that a deal for Sesko could amount to £58m, there may be a temptation to look at a cheaper alternative, and talks have also been held over Lille striker Jonathan David, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer.
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Mikel Arteta’s side have expressed clear interest in Sesko and David, but a different striker is now their first choice option for the summer transfer window.
According to a report from Football Insider, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is now Arsenal’s top target, and they have opened talks to sign the Sweden international in an early summer deal.
Berta is known to be an admirer of Gyokeres, and the sporting director is driving the pursuit, with negotiations ongoing to try and convince him about the move to north London, while the Gunners are also attempting to put a package together.
The Sporting CP star becoming the north Londoners’ top target is the latest ‘twist’ in their pursuit of a new striker, with bringing in an elite forward deemed to be a priority heading into the summer window.
"Sensational" Gyokeres is a goal machine
Despite having an £86m release clause, Fabrizio Romano has revealed the Swedish striker will cost up to £60m this summer, which seems a reasonable fee, given just how impressive his goal and assist record has been this season.
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Liga Portugal
29
34
7
Champions League
8
6
0
Taca de Portugal
5
3
2
Allianz Cup
3
4
0
Supertaca
1
0
2
The 26-year-old was lauded as “sensational” by Richard Keys earlier in the campaign, and his performances in Portugal indicate that he is now ready to make the step-up to a top club.
While there may be some concerns that Gyokeres is yet to prove himself in a major league, his Champions League exploits this season suggest he could be a fantastic signing for Arsenal, and potentially the missing piece of the jigsaw in their title bid.