Arsenal are now closing in on a deal for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Mikel Arteta made it clear that he wanted a new striker this summer and the new Arsenal sporting director is on the verge of completing that task.
Arsenal have tussled between Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres over the past couple of months, but the Swede has now prevailed as the most appropriate option.
Former Coventry City striker Gyokeres scored 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting last season, including six strikes in the Champions League.
And following Berta’s talks with Gyokeres earlier in the summer, the Italian is now set to complete a deal for the 27-year-old.
Viktor Gyokeres won’t be among the top earners at Arsenal
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that the two clubs are progressing with talks, and Arsenal sources believe a deal could be completed within 48 hours.
Personal terms with Gyokeres have now been clarified — they were agreed weeks ago in principle, but finer details are now coming in.
Viktor Gyokeres celebrates a goal for Sporting CP.
Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
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Overall the wage packet for Gyokeres will be worth £50m, roughly £200k-a-week, which is actually some way off the club’s largest earners, or the deals currently on offer to William Saliba and Bukayo Saka.
It’s understood that Berta made it clear last Friday following talks amongst the club’s hierarchy that a move for Gyokeres made most sense for the club.
Although, Arsenal are keen to stress that they are not just opting for the easier option, but on balance the Gyokeres deal simply makes more sense.
For Sesko, RB Leipzig are/were demanding around €90m (£78m) whilst it’s understood that Gyokeres is going to be nearer €75m (£65m).
And some believe that Gyokeres also pushed harder at his end, in comparison to Sesko.
Andrea Berta recognised Benjamin Sesko’s potential
Overall, the whole situation is being seen as a win for Berta, even if the club recognise that Sesko has ‘unreal potential’.
Providing further insight, Bailey explained: “Berta, whilst not wholly favouring one over the other, has believed that Gyokeres was the better option to serve Arsenal’s needs now.
“The club are in ‘win-now’ mode and with that Gyokeres is ready to come and lead the line, be the main man and I understand that Berta feels Gyokeres is the best answer for that.
“It is a tough situation as Berta and the club love Sesko too – they firmly believe he has unreal potential but the fee being asked was perhaps just too much.”
TBR Football shared early on Sunday that Gyokeres was confident of signing for Arsenal, and it seems as if the Swede’s conviction wasn’t without merit.