Arsenal must formalise their interest and speed up a potential deal for Viktor Gyokeres - or risk Manchester United swooping in and poaching the Sporting CP forward, it has been claimed.
Gyokeres has emerged as one of Arsenal's top striker targets ahead of the summer transfer window after plunging 52 goals and adding 13 assists in 50 matches this season.
He is one of the most sought-after attackers in European football right now, and the Gunners want to secure his signature.
On Saturday, it was reported that Arsenal had made their first official offer - anticipated to be in the region of £63.5million - to sign Gyokeres.
The Gunners are said to have everything 'agreed' with the Swede, who has a £85m release clause in his contract but Sporting are expected to allow him to leave for much less.
Now, a fresh update Arsenal's pursuit of Gyokeres has been revealed - and Mikel Arteta's side need to move fast to ensure the 26-year-old doesn't get picked up elsewhere.
Chelsea and Manchester United are among the others that have been linked with a move for the ex-Coventry City man.
Speaking on NBC Sports, David Orstein delivered the latest as the Gunners look to sign a new striker. He said: "Arsenal's recruitment plans are vast and at the top of the list is a No.9. Now, there are fewer of them in the market than they would like. There is an imbalance in supply and demand, but there are some options.
"We've been talking for so long about Alexander Isak. Of course, Arsenal and Mikel Arteta really like him, but I don't think that is realistic for them or probably for anybody else. Let's see if Newcastle finish in the Champions League or not. Even if they don't and he's available for sale, it will be a huge price and I don't think that is realistic.
"So, then they look at the likes of Benjamin Sesko who they've done a lot of work on. But I do think they have some reservations around him, maybe on the price, maybe on the player, he remains in the mix.
"As does Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting Lisbon. Huge reports from myself and others in recent months on him, he's a player that sporting director Andrea Berta really likes, he's possibly the best value for money option out there.
"But the time is ticking and other interest is building. We know Ruben Amorim at Manchester United likes him, so let's see if Arsenal move on that sooner rather than later."
Elsewhere, Arsenal want to strengthen in the wide area. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli appear as first-choice on the right and left right now, but Arteta is keen to add more depth to that position. 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri has impressed when called upon this season, while Leandro Trossard's future is uncertain.
Ornstein added: "They'll be looking at the wide positions like Anthony Gordon and Nico Williams. We see more everyday with Antoine Semenyo and Rafael Leao in the press. I don't know on the veracity of all of them, but it is a position that Arsenal are focusing on."
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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