Arsenal are closing in on a permanent deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP to finally solve their striker woes.
The Arsenal striker saga has been plunging on for what feels like an eternity, but it seems that it is finally coming to an end. The most recent reports have said that the Gunners have agreed a deal with Gyokeres, estimated to be worth £200k per week, and all that needs agreeing now is a transfer fee.
Most Read on Gooner News
Sporting CP wants around £69m for the Swedish international, but Gyokeres wants Sporting to lower their price to £60m in order to get a deal across the line.
Although it seems as though a deal will get done for Gyokeres, there is still a chance that Arsenal may have to consider other targets. Seeing as the Gunners have refuted their interest in RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko because of wage demands, they could consider new targets instead…
1. Hugo Ekitike – Eintracht Frankfurt
Firstly, it was reported at the end of June that Arsenal had identified Eintracht Frankfurt striker Ekitike as their alternative to both Gyokeres and Sesko, and so could go after him if a move for Gyokeres fails.
Ekitike is expected to cost a hefty fee of around £85m, with Liverpool, Man United and Chelsea all said to be keen on him too.
However, he was superb last season. The Frenchman netted 22 goals in all competitions, and aged just 22, he is considerably younger than Gyokeres (26).
2. Ivan Toney – Al Ahli
Arsenal were linked with Toney last summer, but they decided against making a move for the England international. He instead left Brentford to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.
Since then, Toney has scored 30 goals in 44 games, continuing on from his impressive record whilst in the Premier League with the Bees.
If the Gunners were to sign Toney this summer, he would be considerably cheaper than the likes of Gyokeres and Ekitike, as he is expected to cost just £29.9m. He has reportedly been subject to transfer interest from Manchester United this summer.
3. Ollie Watkins – Aston Villa
Another player that Man United are linked with this summer, Ollie Watkins was subject to transfer interest from Arsenal in January, with the Gunners seeing a £40m bid rejected for him.
Watkins is expected to cost around £60m if he was to leave Villa Park this summer, and is a proven Premier League striker, who is a boyhood Arsenal fan.
He made 54 appearances for Villa last season, scoring 17 goals, and providing 14 assists. There is no doubt that he would succeed at the Emirates if Arsenal signed him instead of Gyokeres.