Arsenal are still trying to sign a new striker – with Viktor Gyokeres in sight – although Crystal Palace could now impact the situation.
The Eagles are working to bolster their squad ahead of a UEFA Europa League campaign next season, earning a spot in Europe for the first time ever after winning the FA Cup, and are aiming high.
Crystal Palace are advancing in talks to sign Ousmane Diomande from Sporting CP – who is regarded as one of the best central defenders in Europe – in anticipation of Marc Guehi departing.
Mikel Arteta is also trying to sign a player from the Portuguese giants, as Arsenal have unsuccessfully bid £56m for Viktor Gyokeres – although Crystal Palace could now complicate the situation.
Crystal Palace deal for Ousmane Diomande could see Sporting CP adopt a stubborn stance over Viktor Gyokeres
Let us provide some context to the situation.
Gyokeres is furious with Sporting CP after the Portuguese champions went back on a promise they made to the Swede last summer.
The prolific striker – who incredibly scored 54 goals in 52 games last season – was told he would be able to leave for £67m this summer due to his admirable professionalism, although Sporting CP are now said to have backtracked on that.
Gyokeres does still have a way out of Lisbon, but only through the means of his £85m release clause, which Crystal Palace could now end up enabling Sporting CP to receive.
Should the south Londoners strike a deal with Sporting CP for Diomande – who is valued around £50m – it would lessen the Portuguese side’s need for cash this summer, giving them a stronger negotiating stance in discussions with Arsenal regarding Gyokeres.
We feel it would make Sporting CP point clubs who are keen to sign the Sweden international to his £85m release clause with no further negotiation, which is £18m more than the £67m fee they said he could leave for when making the promise last summer.
Ultimately, Sporting CP would be loath to lose both Diomande and Gyokeres in the same transfer window, so Arsenal would be minded to speed up negotiations and try to strike a deal before Crystal Palace make further progress over the Ivory Coast international.
The problem Arsenal have with Viktor Gyokeres alternative, Benjamin Sesko
There is another striker under consideration at Arsenal in the form of RB Leipzig No.30 Benjamin Sesko.
However, there are also issues regarding the Slovenia international.
Duncan Castles claims that Sesko is asking Arsenal to put a release clause in his contract before he agrees to move to north London, which is a little concerning, and suggests he does not see his long-term future at the Emirates Stadium.
Therefore, it feels like Arsenal still have a long way to go until they close in on a new striker.