Eyes are already cast on new sporting director Andrea Berta as the highly-rated chief gears up for his debut transfer window at N5
Mikel Arteta and the Gunners lost out on the Premier League title to Liverpool by some distance this season, and a few critics have blamed their failed challenge on Arsenal’s lack of a potent centre-forward
Gabriel Jesus enjoyed a real purple patch of form before his season-ending ACL injury, and Kai Havertz has put in some excellent displays in a makeshift striker role. However, neither man is seen as a guaranteed 20-plus goals-per-season style of forward for the long-term, with pundit Ally McCoist claiming Arteta is crying out for a prolific number nine up top.
The amount of games I’ve been at, particularly at the Emirates, and I see that ball flashing across the six-yard box. I think Havertz is an excellent footballer, I really do. But I think Havertz would score the same amount of goals whether he plays centre forward, number ten or comes off the side.
“I think he’ll get 10 goals, whereas a centre forward playing in that position gets you 20, 25 (goals).”
The signing of a striker is one of Arsenal’s top priorities for the summer, according to various reports, and a succession of high-profile names have already been linked with moves to the Emirates.
One of them is Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, who is widely expected to depart the Primeira Liga after yet another exceptional campaign. The Sweden international has scored 52 goals across 49 appearances in all competitions this term, and regardless of what league you play in, numbers like that are guaranteed to turn many heads.
Gyokeres is a top target for Arsenal heading into the summer, with some reports claiming Berta is personally driving a move for the ex-Coventry City star (GiveMeSport).
Now, Football Transfers claim good progress is being made on a potential swoop, and Arsenal have scheduled fresh talks with Sporting, which will take place after the Portuguese Cup final later this month.
What’s more, it is believed Arsenal are “edging closer to finalising an agreement” for Gyokeres, with the Gunners and his camp “already aligned” on personal terms and the contract package he would receive in north London.
However, they’re yet to reach any agreement with Sporting themselves, prompting the imminent negotiations in late May. Rui Borges’ side are expected to demand a large chunk of Gyokeres’ transfer fee up front, though, or even the full amount.
The 26-year-old’s contract includes an £85 million release clause, and Portuguese news outlet A Bola recently reported that the presence of Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Bayern Munich and English rivals in the race for Gyokeres’ means Sporting could demand close to that figure.
Arsenal may have to make Gyokeres one of their most expensive ever signings as a result, but he could well be worth the investment.
“I have said this before, and I will continue to say it: he brings a lot to the team, and his teammates are aware of what he contributes, which is why they look for him during games,” said Borges about Gyokeres.
“The collective effort also plays a role, as no one can succeed alone. Viktor is a game-changer, and he will continue to be, whether with us or elsewhere. His quality is undeniable; it is phenomenal.”
