Arsenal are keen on reinforcing their attack ahead of next season. They want a new number nine on a priority basis and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres has been at the top of their wishlist for a while. However, the Gunners could withdraw from the race for his signature going forward.
According to Record via SportWitness, the North London club have started looking at alternatives as they have been frustrated during negotiations with Sporting. While the player is keen on joining Mikel Arteta’s team and personal terms won’t be a problem, Arsenal are facing trouble in striking a deal with the Portuguese giants.
Gyokeres has been on fire since joining Sporting in the summer of 2023. In his two seasons at the club, the 27-year-old has featured in 102 matches and he has contributed towards 125 goals.
His sensational performances have put him on the radar of quite a few top clubs. Even Manchester United were keen on signing him and they were hoping the opportunity to reunite with Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford could help them convince him.
However, things haven’t gone according to plan as his representatives have made it clear that he won’t be moving to Manchester. They have made it well known to all clubs involved that Gyokeres wants Arsenal move.
Mikel Arteta has him as a top target as the Swedish striker can bring an end to their goal-scoring problems. He could help them push for major titles next season.
While they are keen on signing him and have been making moves for some time, they have been left frustrated during negotiations with Sporting. The Gunners have decided to freeze the move and have started looking at other targets like Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins.
The North London club had submitted an offer worth €55 million plus €10 million as add-ons last week for the Swedish striker. While they thought it would do the job, their offer was turned down.
The player’s agents did give them enough reasons to feel optimistic about their chances. However, things didn’t pan out as expected. Since Sporting have no intention of lowering their demands, Arsenal are considering walking away.
The Gunners did show indications of making an improved bid reaching up to €70 million in total but didn’t go ahead with it as they felt even that wouldn’t be good enough. People at the London club have had enough at this stage. They feel the price is too high and feel investing in alternatives would be an ideal way to move ahead.
