Arsenal prepares to finalize Viktor Gyokeres transfer
- Arsenal is negotiating with Sporting Lisbon for striker Viktor Gyokeres, having made progress on personal terms.
- The club's frustrations in signing Benjamin Sesko have led them to pursue Gyokeres instead.
- A deal for Gyokeres could be finalized soon, signifying a shift in Arsenal's transfer strategy.
In the ongoing summer transfer window, Arsenal Football Club has made notable strides in acquiring Viktor Gyokeres, a Swedish forward currently at Sporting Lisbon. The club is in discussions regarding the payment structure and aims to conclude the deal soon. This urgency is driven by Mikel Arteta's desire to have a striker signed before the pre-season fully commences and follows frustration with negotiations for RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. The decision to shift focus to Gyokeres stems from several factors including personal terms being already agreed and Gyokeres’ clear intention to join Arsenal. Historically, Arsenal's discussions had aimed to evaluate options including Sesko and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins. However, the management's frustration deepened as they found themselves at least €10 million short of Leipzig’s valuation for Sesko, culminating in the club's readiness to abandon this pursuit. The new sporting director Andrea Berta has emphasized Gyokeres as a preferable choice over Sesko due to considerations such as the players' readiness to adapt and their experience levels, with Gyokeres being 27 years old while Sesko is only 21. As Arsenal negotiates the proposed transfer fee for Gyokeres, there appears to be a significant shift in their recruitment strategy. The total cost of the deal is expected to be around £60 million, including potential add-ons. This move not only reflects Arsenal's transfer ambitions but also signifies the impact of Berta in directing player acquisitions at the club. Arsenal's aim is to secure this striker swiftly, ensuring they can focus on additional targets, potentially following the Gyokeres acquisition. In addition to securing a forward, Arsenal has been linked with other players. They are reportedly in talks with Chelsea over Noni Madueke and have expressed interest in Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace, alongside significant interest in Rodrygo from Real Madrid. The club remains active in the transfer market, still considering depth and quality as critical requirements ahead of the new season.