Arsenal are gearing up for a crunch summer transfer window with Mikel Arteta’s main focus centred on a bringing in a potent goalscorer.
Arteta has shortlisted key names to target in the coming months to propel the Gunners push for the Premier League title in 2025/26.
Arsenal are on course to finish second in the EPL rankings – for a third successive season – and their Spanish boss is keen to change that narrative next season.
Viktor Gyokeres is the striker Arteta wants to bring to the Emirates Stadium. However, the Swedish superstar’s exploits in Portugal havee attracted transfer interest from across Europe, with many rival clubs interested in the 26-year-old.
However, Arteta has been given an unexpected update, following Gyokeres’ comments in a recent interview with Portuguese media, as the former Coventry City forward was asked about his transfer links to Arsenal.
“I like Lisbon,” was his simple reply – as per quotes from The Sun.
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The 26-year-old remained open on a potential exit from Sporting CP this summer. “No one can predict what will happen, we just enjoy the moment,” he said.
Arsenal desperately need someone of Gyokeres’ ruthless level in front of goal, with their current top scorer Kai Havertz [nine EPL goals] sidelined until July.
Viktor Gyokeres: Stats, release clause, transfer options
There is massive transfer interest on Gyokeres with the Swede scoring 47 goals in 46 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25. He has been a goalscoring machine since joining Sporting Lisbon from Coventry in 2023.
The 26-year-old marksman netted 43 goals in 50 appearances in all competitions in his first season at Sporting CP, guiding the team to the Primeira Liga title.
Alongside Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool are also tracking him, with the Red Devils in the race via his link with former manager Ruben Amorim.
Gyokeres’ current contract contains a rumoured release clause of £85m [$112m], but recent reports suggest there is a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ in place to accept something around £55m [$73m] for staying loyal to the Portuguese outfit in the January transfer window.
He could be a perfect fit for the Gunners, but with so many clubs interested, it remains to be seen if Arteta and Andrea Berta can convince him to join their project in North London.
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