Arsenal are reportedly increasing their efforts to sign Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres. He is now considered a more realistic transfer target compared to Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak. With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus both facing extended periods on the sidelines due to injury, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his attacking options in the centre-forward position. Finding a new striker has become a top priority for the Gunners in the upcoming transfer window.
According to reports from The Athletic, Arteta is a long-time admirer of Alexander Isak. However, Newcastle are reluctant to let go of their 24-year-old striker, and any potential deal would likely involve a significant transfer fee. In contrast, Viktor Gyokeres is viewed as a more attainable target and has strong support from within Arsenal’s new leadership structure.
Andrea Berta has recently been appointed as the new sporting director at the Emirates Stadium, taking over responsibility for the club’s transfer strategy. Berta is reportedly a keen admirer of the 26-year-old Gyokeres and is expected to be a key figure in pushing for this transfer to materialise.
This season, Gyokeres has established himself as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers, scoring an impressive 30 goals in 26 league appearances for Sporting CP. Since joining the Portuguese club from Coventry City in 2023, he has amassed 85 goals and 26 assists in just 92 appearances, playing a crucial role in their Primeira Liga title victory last season.
Arsenal’s ongoing search for a natural number nine has seen them even use midfielder Mikel Merino in an emergency striker role. Adding a goalscorer with Gyokeres’ proven track record would be a significant boost for the team as they head into the summer transfer window.
Andrea Berta Takes Helm as Arsenal’s Sporting Director
Andrea Berta has officially succeeded Edu as Arsenal’s new sporting director. With a distinguished 12-year career shaping Atletico Madrid’s squad, the Italian is now tasked with leveraging his expertise to further Arsenal’s ambitions.
According to Sky Sports, Arsenal’s lack of depth in the forward line will be Berta’s immediate challenge. Injuries to key attacking players like Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have exposed this vulnerability. Gyokeres is among the names being considered to address this, and securing more firepower will be Berta’s first priority.
The North London club also retains interest in Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. Real Madrid are reportedly also in the running for his signature. However, Berta’s in-depth knowledge of La Liga could give Arsenal an advantage in securing the player.
Contract renewals are also on Berta’s agenda. Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Gabriel Martinelli will all enter the final two years of their contracts this summer, and ensuring their long-term commitment is crucial for the new sporting director.
Are Arsenal fans excited about the prospect of signing Viktor Gyokeres? Share your thoughts on this potential transfer in the comments below!