Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are ready to table an improved offer for the services of Manchester United target Viktor Gyokeres.
According to Mais Futebol, Arsenal are set to submit a second offer for Viktor Gyokeres after failing with their initial bid. The Gunners are wasting no time as they look to beat Manchester United to the Swedish striker’s signature.
Gyokeres has been on fire since joining Sporting CP in the summer of 2023. In his two seasons with the Portuguese club, he has featured in a total of 102 matches and has contributed towards 125 goals (97 goals, 28 assists).
The Swede’s exceptional performances have put him on the radar of quite a few top clubs. His contract runs until the summer of 2028, and he is protected by a €100 million release clause. However, Gyokeres still looks set for a move to a bigger club amidst interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta is not happy with the output of his current forwards, and he is keen on adding a proven goal-scorer to his squad this summer. RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting’s Gyokeres are the two biggest names on the Arsenal manager’s shortlist.
While they are working on a deal to sign Sesko, the North London giants have intensified their efforts to bring the Swedish international to the club. As per a report from Record, Arsenal submitted an initial offer for the 27-year-old on Wednesday.
The Gunners put forward an offer worth €55 million as a fixed fee along with another €10 million for objective-based add-ons. Sporting turned it down straight away. But Arsenal have not given up just yet, and they are all set to table a second offer that will exceed the €70 million mark as a whole.
Arsenal’s second offer might not be good enough
Arsenal’s second bid will significantly improve both the fixed fee and the bonuses. Despite their efforts, the Gunners might struggle to reach an agreement with Sporting CP, as club president Frederico Varandas has suggested he won’t sanction the striker’s departure even if they receive an offer worth €60 million plus €10 million, the amount the player and his agents believe was promised as his informal exit clause last summer.
While Varandas does not want the full €100 million release clause, he is still demanding a sizeable fee. Beyond the financial aspects, Arsenal will face stiff competition from Manchester United, who are also in the market for a world-class number nine.
Ruben Amorim’s relationship with the Swedish international certainly works in the Red Devils’ favour, and they are believed to be ready to make an offer. However, they are currently struggling to reach an agreement with the player himself.