Mikel Arteta and newly-appointed sporting director Andrea Berta have been handed a summer striker boost, as one marquee forward is prioritising a move to Arsenal when it comes to preferred destinations.
Andrea Berta's striker targets for Arsenal this summer
Berta's official arrival at the Emirates Stadium has brought plenty of excitement with it, especially now Arteta has admitted that Arsenal are set for a "big" first transfer window led by the ex-Atletico Madrid chief
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The German is set to leave on a free as things stand.
One of many items on Berta's agenda is reportedly the acquisition of a prolific new striker, following long-term injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, who won't be returning to the field before next season.
Arsenal's next five Premier League games Date
Everton (away) April 5th
Brentford (home) April 12th
Ipswich Town (away) April 20th
Crystal Palace (home) TBD
Bournemouth (home) May 3rd
A goal-scoring vocal point up front has long been viewed as the missing piece of Arteta's jigsaw, and it is believed that Berta will seek to finally acquire one during his debut summer window at the club.
While Fabrizio Romano expects Berta to make an important offer for Alexander Isak, the Swede's reported £150 million price tag may be too big of a hurdle for Arsenal to jump over, and Newcastle United are unlikely to be kind in negotiations.
More realistic targets, and ones of similar quality, come in the form of RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.
RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko before taking a penalty
Arsenal wanted to sign Sesko last year, making a proposal to the Slovenia international which was ultimately turned down (Fabrizio Romano). However, reports this year suggest Berta could move for Sesko and make a second Arsenal attempt for his signature.
Meanwhile, David Ornstein has reported that Arsenal are growing increasingly interested in Gyokeres as another option, with the Sweden international enjoying yet another prolific campaign in the Primeira Liga.
Gyokeres has racked up a sensational 42 goals in 42 appearances over all competitions, including 11 extra assists, leaving little wonder he's turning Arsenal's head.
Viktor Gyokeres really wants to join Arsenal from Sporting CP
The 26-year-old, understandably, is also wanted by his former boss Ruben Amorim at Man United, while other elite European clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG and Bayern Munich are in the mix.
That is according to Portuguese news outlet A Bola, who also write that Gyokeres has Arsenal at the "top of his preferences" in what could be seen as a major boost for Arteta and Berta.
The former Coventry star has an £84 million release clause, and while the bidding will start at around £58 million, A Bola claim he's likely to leave for a value closer to his release clause - as Sporting are anticipating an auction for his services.
Arsenal-Viktor-Gyokeres
Even a fee in and around the clause would arguably be worth the punt, as Gyokeres' exceptional goalscoring record really does speak for itself, not to mention plaudits from past teammates like Jake Bidwell, who called him "unstoppable".
"The way he plays as well, with his aggression, the two (qualities) go hand in hand with how well he has done," said Bidwell to the MEN.
"He all of a sudden realised how quick and strong he was and had the confidence to use it, and mixed with the aggression, it’s made him pretty unstoppable."