Arsenal’s hunt to sign a goalscorer has taken another twist as Viktor Gyokeres continues to push for a move.
It appears that Arsenal are becoming frustrated with Benjamin Sesko’s transfer situation, which could signal good news for Gyokeres.
The Sweden international is on the wanted list of many clubs after scoring 54 goals in all competitions for Sporting CP over the 2024/25 season.
It’s understood that Gyokeres would prefer to sign for Arsenal and amid a public falling out with Sporting, the Gunners certainly have an advantage.
Viktor Gyokeres prepared to go on strike to force Arsenal transfer
Andrea Berta is an admirer of Gyokeres, but the North Londoners are conducting their search for a new number nine with great care.
Sesko is still of interest to Arsenal, despite disputes over his price tag, with Ollie Watkins being another option for Mikel Arteta.
The three-horse race is a fascinating one, particularly as the highest scorer of them all is willing to do everything he can to get his dream move to the Emirates over the line.
Sources close to The Sun understand that it’s ‘increasingly unlikely’ that Gyokeres will report to pre-season training in Lisbon.
The report notes that the striker’s frustration is ‘great news’ for Arsenal, as the Swede aims to carry out his threat to cut himself loose from Sporting.
Sporting’s president Frederico Varandas has spoken openly about Gyokeres, with an understanding that the 26-year-old will leave, but only if the Portuguese champions get their asking price met.
As The Sun added, the player is becoming ‘angry’ with his club for not honouring a gentleman’s agreement to sell him for £60m.
Sporting want more and Gyokeres wants out, which is making things ugly on the transfer front, something Arsenal have actually benefited from before.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang caused trouble to force Arsenal transfer
The 2018 January transfer window was a time of change for Arsenal, as Alexis Sanchez joined Manchester United and the Gunners welcomed Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The latter went on to become an Arsenal icon, acting as the striker the North Londoners were crying out for and going on to wear the armband.
Aubameyang’s movements before his transfer to the Emirates could be thought of as inspiration to Gyokeres, as the Gabon international kicked up quite a fuss before leaving Borussia Dortmund.
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Dortmund’s former sporting director Michael Zorc described the situation as ‘unpleasant’ at the time, as Aubameyang was dropped for disciplinary reasons as transfer interest turned his head.
In Lisbon, the same seems to be unfolding for Gyokeres, who is willing to burn bridges to get his move to the Premier League.
As speculation and drama builds, the main concern for Arteta is to have a striker with him ahead of Arsenal’s pre-season tour, with Gyokeres’ come and get me plea something that Berta will not ignore.
from Arsenal Transfer News | Rumours, Deals & Targets | Arsenal Insider
Rosie Tudball