Arsenal now hold a "strong interest" in an "incredible" striker, with new sporting director Andrea Berta a "firm admirer", according to The Athletic reporter David Ornstein.
Berta's arrival confirmed as summer planning begins
Berta has been expected to complete a move to the Emirates Stadium for quite some time, with the new sporting director coming in to replace Edu, who resigned from the role to take up a job with Nottingham Forest back in November.
Now, the move has been confirmed, with the Italian stating he is extremely happy to get the deal over the line: “I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club.
“I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that has gone into re-establishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world."
General view outside the Arsenal stadium before the match Related
[Offer made: Arsenal now submit £59m bid for "extremely quick" top target](https://www.footballfancast.com/offer-made-arsenal-now-table-59m-bid-for-benjamin-sesko/ "Offer made: Arsenal now submit £59m bid for "extremely quick" top target")
The Gunners have reportedly tabled a huge offer for one of their priority targets.
As we edge closer to the summer transfer window, the 53-year-old will be well-aware one of his main tasks is to bring in a new striker, and he is wasting no time identifying potential targets.
According to Ornstein, Arsenal are now developing a "strong interest" in Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres as a possible striker signing, with the Sweden international expected to be a prominent name on the list of targets.
Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres celebrates after the match-1
Newcastle United's Alexander Isak is also of interest, but Gyokeres could be a more realistic addition, given that Sporting could be willing to green light his departure for a fee of around £58m this summer.
Berta is said to be a "firm admirer" of the Sporting star, indicating the new sporting director could be the driving force behind a deal, although Mikel Arteta is also believed to be a close friend of the player's agent.
"Incredible" Gyokeres has earned big move
It has been a steady rise to the top for the 26-year-old, who has proven himself during spells with Coventry City and Sporting, but his performances for the Portuguese side indicate he is now entering his prime and ready for a big move.
The "incredible" forward has scored five goals in his last eight Liga Portugal games, taking his tally to 42 for the season in all competitions, with six of those coming in the Champions League.
Gyokeres' performances in Portugal have showcased he could be the missing piece of the jigsaw for Arsenal, who are lacking on options at striker, with Mikel Merino leading the line in Gabriel Jesus' and Kai Havertz's absence.
£58m also feels like a fair fee for a player of the striker's quality, so it is exciting news the Gunners' interest is growing, and his arrival could get the Berta era off to the perfect start.