According to Caught Offside, Arsenal are set to make a renewed push for Viktor Gyokeres as they are keen to land one of their designated striker targets. Sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly applying pressure on Sporting CP to get a deal in place, as the Italian is keen to get ahead of rivals like Manchester United in the race for the 27-year-old goal machine.
The appointment of Andrea Berta was the point that the big links to Viktor Gyokeres began emerging in the media. The Swedish striker, known for his goalscoring exploits in the Portuguese league has been open to the idea of making a jump to one of the big clubs in the top five leagues.
Arsenal have been at the forefront of things for the 27-year-old goal machine, as Berta may have held concrete talks with the player’s camp and to an extent with Sporting CP. Some reports from earlier indicated that Gyokeres might have an agreement of sorts with the Gunners, which was further indications of conversations with the north Londoners.
However, there are some ongoing rifts between Gyokeres’ agents and Sporting CP on the asking price. Earlier suggestions pointed to concluding a deal at around €65 million, although the club are now demanding at least €80 million, which has angered the player’s camp.
The Gunners are unlikely to pay a high price for the striker, as they are also negotiating with RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko. They have set a deadline for the German side to make a definitive decision on the Slovenian, as Berta is seemingly targeting both Gyokeres and Sesko.
Despite interest from elsewhere in Gyokeres, as Manchester United were preparing to make an offer, Berta wants to get ahead of the race. The Red Devils have Ruben Amorim as a big factor to lure the 27-year-old goal machine, as they are looking for a new striker to lead the line ahead of the new season.
Arsenal are making a fresh push to keep the dialogue open with the player as well as Sporting CP. Berta is also applying immense pressure on the Portuguese club to make up their mind over the fee, as this may be the factor why no bids have come in yet. The race for Gyokeres remains wide open as things stand, as both Arsenal and Manchester United have their merits towards attracting the 27-year-old goal machine.
