Arsenal are poised to speed up their pursuit of a new striker next week, according to A Bola (page 18).
The Gunners are determined to sign a marquee centre-forward, and they have identified their prime targets.
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres are presently at the top of their wishlist.
Talks are simultaneously ongoing for both strikers, and A Bola provide an update on Gyokeres’ situation.
The outlet claim that Arsenal’s opening offer of €55 million plus €10m in add-ons was turned down.
They don’t want to drag negotiations over several weeks and plan to make a ‘more generous offer’.
The Gunners will propose to pay €70m, including bonuses, for the Sweden international, who has been described as ‘unstoppable‘ by One Football.
Sporting CP want €80m for his transfer, but Arsenal are optimistic over a deal, considering the striker has given the green light to join the club. He has turned down Manchester United.
The Gunners have entered concrete talks with RB Leipzig regarding Sesko. The German outfit are holding out for his €80m release clause, but Arsenal prefer to negotiate a long-term payment plan.
Florian Plettenberg has claimed that the package could be between €80-100m. As things stand, the Gunners have not made any verbal offer on the table for the Slovenia international.
On the contrary, Portuguese sources have claimed that the club have made an opening bid worth €65m for Gyokeres. They are prepared to make a renewed €70m proposal next week.
Both Sesko and Gyokeres have agreed on personal terms with Arsenal. Sporting director Andrea Berta could make the final decision on whom to sign over the coming days.
Sesko netted 21 goals for Leipzig last term compared to Gyokeres’ staggering tally of 54 at Sporting CP.
However, the Bundesliga is a much superior league than the Primeira Liga. On top of this, there are some questions regarding Gyokeres’ potential weakness when it comes to aerial duels.
Sesko is much superior in that aspect, given his obvious height advantage. It remains to be seen whether Arsenal prefer Sesko’s potential or Gyokeres’ experience and prime career form.
Hopefully, Arsenal will end the striker saga one way or another next week.
