Viktor Gyokeres is a name that has emerged high on Arsenal's summer shopping list. The Sporting CP forward has been in sensational form this season, scoring 42 goals in 42 matches.
Having netted 42 times in 50 appearances under Ruben Amorim, now Manchester United head coach, in his debut season in Portugal, Gyokeres has taken it up a notch this term. He is one of the most in-demand strikers in world football right now and it's no surprise that Arsenal want to sign him.
According to The Athletic, the Gunners are 'developing strong interest' in the Sweden international as they consider their options to recruit a centre forward this summer.
It's said that ex-Coventry City star Gyokeres could be available for as little as £58 million, around £25m less than his release clause.
Gyokeres has been long admired by Arsenal's new sporting director Andrea Berta - who was appointed on Sunday - and is anticipated to figure prominently as the club look to strengthen up front. Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko remain as targets, but Gyokeres is considered as more achievable.
And if the Gunners can get a deal over the line for Gyokeres, they could have a 'dream' forward line for next season.
The 26-year-old would lead up a three-man attack in the centre, looking to replicate the form he has found at Sporting. He would be the focal point and main source of goals.
The first player alongside Gyokeres would be Bukayo Saka. The 23-year-old managed to score six goals and add 10 assists in 16 Premier League matches before injuring his hamstring against Crystal Palace in December.
During his time on the sidelines, Arsenal have missed his creativity and guile.
Despite Ethan Nwaneri's emergence, the Gunners have not looked as strong without Saka and he is still their best right winger when fit. Saka would start in this 'dream' forward line with Nwaneri acting as a back-up.
Moving to the left wing and it does feel like this position will be occupied by another new signing. Gabriel Martinelli has been off the boil this season and would have been nailed on if he returned to his 2022/23 form, but right now, the Gunners should look at upgrading the Brazilian and signing another in that area.
Nico Williams has been identified as a target after impressing for Athletic Club and Spain. The 22-year-old has nine goals and seven assists in 38 appearances this season and would no doubt strengthen that Arsenal front line.
He would complete the Arsenal 'dream' front three for next season.
On the bench, Kai Havertz, Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Nwaneri would act as direct back-ups, with Gabriel Jesus not expected to return until late 2025 after tearing his Anterior Cruciate Ligament.
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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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