Zlatan Ibrahimovic tells his £70m countryman to avoid an Arsenal move if he truly wants to compete with the best.

According to The Sun, Arsenal are reportedly preparing to spend significantly to secure Sporting CP’s star forward Viktor Gyokeres this summer. The Gunners are prioritizing the acquisition of a new striker following underwhelming performances from Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah last season.

Transfer Strategy and Potential Departures

In light of last season’s disappointments, Arsenal are reportedly considering selling either Gabriel Jesus or Eddie Nketiah to make room for new talent. The club has been linked with various strikers in recent weeks, including Benjamin Šeško, Joshua Zirkzee, and Victor Osimhen. However, Šeško has opted to stay with RB Leipzig by signing a new contract, and AC Milan are currently leading the race for Zirkzee. Osimhen’s high price tag has made Arsenal consider other options, leading them to focus on Gyokeres.

Financial Details and Sporting CP’s Position

The Sun reports that Arsenal are willing to offer between £50 million and £60 million for the Swedish international. However, Sporting CP are demanding a higher fee to part with their star forward. Despite being open to selling some of their key players, Sporting are reluctant to let Gyokeres go, preferring to place Ousmane Diomande and Gonçalo Inácio on the transfer list instead.

Arsenal’s Broader Interest

Arsenal have shown interest in Diomande and have closely scouted Inácio throughout the previous season. While it’s unclear if the club will make a concrete move for either player this summer, their interest signifies Arsenal’s broader strategy to strengthen their squad with top talent.

Gyokeres’ Impact and Potential Fit

Gyokeres joined Sporting CP from Coventry City last summer and enjoyed a standout season, playing a crucial role in helping his team win the league title. His impressive performances have caught Arsenal’s attention, making him a prime target for their attacking lineup. At 26, Gyokeres is at an ideal stage in his career to make a significant move, and his potential signing would be a substantial boost for Arsenal.

Challenges Ahead

Securing Gyokeres will not be straightforward, as Sporting CP are determined to retain him. This determination adds a layer of complexity to the potential transfer, making it challenging for Arsenal to finalize the deal. Nevertheless, the upcoming transfer window will reveal if Arsenal can overcome these hurdles and successfully sign Gyokeres to enhance their attacking options.

Conclusion

Arsenal’s pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres signifies their commitment to addressing last season’s offensive shortcomings. While the financial and competitive challenges are considerable, the addition of a proven goal scorer like Gyokeres could make a significant difference in their quest for success in the coming season. The situation remains fluid, and fans will be eagerly watching to see if Arsenal can secure this pivotal signing.