Arsenal are making significant progress in discussions with Sporting Lisbon regarding a potential deal for striker Viktor Gyokeres.
While no agreement has been finalized yet for the Swedish forward, he appears to have emerged as Arsenal`s primary target this summer. The Gunners had also been in negotiations with RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko, but the Bundesliga club has maintained a firm stance on their valuation of the young Slovenian striker, reportedly set at $94 million.
Meanwhile, the asking price for Gyokeres has reportedly caused considerable tension between Sporting and the player. Sporting president Frederico Varandas stated last month that he would not yield to pressure or `blackmail` to sell below the valuation the Portuguese giants desire. Although Arsenal and Sporting have not yet agreed on a transfer fee, talks are expected to accelerate towards a swift conclusion, particularly as Gyokeres is keen on a move to the North London club and manager Mikel Arteta is eager to reinforce his squad before preseason training commences next week.
Sources indicate that Sporting director Andrea Berta, who joined in March, has strongly championed Gyokeres as the ideal candidate to fill the vacant center forward position that Arsenal have long sought to strengthen. The London club had reportedly monitored the 27-year-old for an extended period, including scouting him in person during his impactful time with Coventry City, which saw them reach the Championship play-off final in 2023. His prolific goal-scoring continued in Portugal, where he netted 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting, contributing to their successive league titles.
Gyokeres` impressive form provides a compelling alternative to Sesko, who is five years younger and competes in a league often considered more competitive, yet has scored 39 goals in 87 games since transferring from Salzburg to RB Leipzig. While it hasn`t been officially confirmed that Arsenal have ended their pursuit of the Slovenian, reports last month indicated Saudi club Al-Hilal also holds an interest. Sesko himself is understood to prioritize a transfer to the Premier League.
