Although the season is yet to end, clubs have begun to plan ahead for the upcoming summer transfer window, with Arsenal lining up an approach for highly sought-after striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Mikel Arteta is approaching five years with Arsenal as head coach, despite the Gunners looking likely to fall short of the title for a third year running, improvement has been paramount in this period.
However, now that the pressure is at an all-time high, the player-turned-manager will be turning to the transfer market for a recognized goal-scorer, with depth in forward positions the downfall of the North London side this term.
It has been reported by David Ornstein that “Arsenal developing strong interest in Viktor Gyokeres” before the summer window, the striker has found the net 85 times in 92 appearances since joining Sporting CP from Coventry City in the summer of 2023.
How likely is this deal?
Ornstein’s report declared the deal to be ‘more realistic’ than a move for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, with their Premier League rivals demanding a huge fee to even consider parting ways.
However, reports from The Telegraph in November declared that Isak’s compatriot, Viktor Gyokeres, could leave this summer for a cut-price of £63m despite a €100m (£83.6m) amid interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.
Previous summers at The Emirates has seen heavy investment in the playing squad, with record signing Declan Rice, forward Kai Havertz, and Ben White arriving with extortionate price tags.
Currently second in the Premier League table and twelve points adrift of Liverpool, the downfall of Mikel Arteta’s side has been the lack of forward depth, with injuries to Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz asking questions of the Spaniard’s squad.
A move for the former Coventry City man may be heavily contested by Premier League rivals Manchester United, with The Independent reporting that manager Ruben Amorim is keen to reunite with his former player.
The lack of a recognized number nine may be the difference between Arsenal and the coveted top spot, which could be Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.
Is Gyokeres the only difference between Arsenal and the title?
Looking set for another second-place finish, pressure is mounting on Arteta to secure the club’s first Premier League title since 2004.
Star-forward Bukayo Saka’s injury was a defining moment for Arsenal’s title aspirations this year, therefore it would not come as a surprise to see investment reach further than just one striker acquisition in the coming months.