Gyokeres is expected to move this summerGyokeres is expected to move this summer
Gyokeres is expected to move this summer | AFP via Getty Images
Arsenal are being linked with a move for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Arsenal are ramping up their search for a new striker as they prepare to spring into action this summer. The Gunners decided not to sign a new frontman last summer and then came up short in their bid to land a solution in the January window, leaving them with no natural option up top in the absence of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus through injury.
A number of players have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, including Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres. Here we round up the latest on those links.
Latest Gyokeres links
With Arsenal unlikely to get their hands on Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak this summer. The Boot Room have claimed that they are working on several alternatives that don’t only include RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, who seems to be a player Mikel Arteta clearly admires.
It’s claimed new sporting director Andrea Berta will prioritise the striker position, keen to leave no stone unturned. The report claims that club scouts are very impressed by Gyokeres, and they feel that the Sporting CP frontman could be the ideal signing if Isak is not available.
What Gyokeres has said about a transfer
Gyokeres was asked earlier in March about his potential departure this summer, but he maintained that it’s not something that is on his mind currently. He said; “No, no one has spoken to me. It's nothing that's on my mind at the moment. Rumours, once again. My focus is on Sporting."
Gyokeres was also asked back in November about the same topic after Ruben Amorim was poached by Manchester United. He responded to Fotbollskanalen: "It’s very sad that he’s leaving, but of course we understand his decision. He has of course meant a lot [to me] considering that he gave me that chance and that he made me develop so much."
What Sporting CP boss Rui Borges has said about a Gyokeres transfer
“I’m not focused on next season but rather the next two and a half months. Viktor is important to Sporting, we’re not shying away from that. He’s been important and not just to me. He has been for a while.
“I’m happy to count on him, to work with him, for everything he is from an athlete to a person and for what he gives every day. He’s an example of being rigorous in training, of doing everything we ask and tell him to do. I’m happy to be able to enjoy him while he’s here. When he’s not… we’ll find another Viktor Gyokeres or another Conrad Harder.”
Arteta on failing to sign a striker in January
The need for Arsenal to sign a striker in January was clear, especially after Gabriel Jesus was ruled out for the rest of the season, and the Gunners were made to pay just weeks after the window shut when their only remaining striker Kai Havertz was also ruled out for the season. Arteta admitted after the window: “We had a clear intention which is obvious. There is a window open to explore the possibilities to improve our squad with players that can impact it. We haven't achieved it.
"So we are disappointed in that sense but as well we are very aware that we only want to bring certain kind of players. We have to be very disciplined with that as well and I think we were. I wouldn't like to go into too much detail. We couldn't do it for certain reasons and we have to accept it, that's it. It was a combination of things."