Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi-Mikel says a Viktor Gyokeres alternative targeted by Arsenal is "unplayable", and he really doesn't want the Gunners to strike a deal for him this summer.
Andrea Berta targeting Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres for Arsenal
A few reports from the last few days have shared information that Arsenal are advancing in talks for Gyokeres, following the Swede's exceptional haul of 53 goals across all competitions for Sporting this campaign.
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The Gunners want to get in ahead of La Liga's top two sides.
Portuguese newspaper O Jogo even sensationally stated in their Monday headline that Gyokeres is "on his way to Arsenal" after the two clubs agreed a £59 million fee for the player, but this is yet to be backed up by other reliable sources.
What's crystal clear, though, is the 26-year-old's status near the top of Berta's transfer shortlist when it comes to signing a striker before summer deadline day on September 1.
Viktor Gyokeres' best games for Sporting in the Primeira Liga this season Match Rating
Boavista 0-5 Sporting CP 10.00
Sporting CP 5-1 Estrela de Amadora 10.00
Sporting CP 3-1 Moreirense 9.91
Sporting CP 3-0 AVS Futebol SAD 9.68
Nacional 1-6 Sporting CP 9.52
via WhoScored
Berta is said to be a huge fan of Gyokeres, and the Italian is reportedly pushing hard to win the competitive race for his signature.
That being said, while Gyokeres' goal record is quite simply mouth-watering, there are other options for Arsenal, should they decide a deal cannot be done for the Sweden international.
One of them could be Napoli outcast Victor Osimhen. The 26-year-old has spent 2024/2025 out on loan at Galatasaray, impressing for the Turkish Süper Lig champions, and he's likely to be on the move again when the summer window reopens soon.
victor-osimhen-galatasaray-super-lig
His contract includes a £63 million release clause, and there have been some reports this year that Arsenal are prepared to pay the required amount to sign Osimhen if they wish to pursue the Nigerian.
John Obi-Mikel hopes Arsenal don't sign Victor Osimhen
Speaking on his Obi-One podcast, ex-Chelsea star Obi-Mikel, given his ties to Arsenal's London rivals, is certainly hoping Berta doesn't go in Osimhen's direction.
A close friend of the striker, Obi-Mikel raved over Osimhen as a centre-forward who guarantees you both goals and trophies - branding him "unplayable".
Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen celebrates scoring a goal that was later disallowed
"Victor has been on fire, unplayable sometimes. Unplayable. Scoring goals, creating chances, everything he does this season has been absolutely fantastic," said the pundit.
"So for me, like I’ve said, and I’ve always said: this is a player that wins you trophies. This is a player that puts you in the top 4. This is a player that is reliable. He will get you goals. I don’t want to see him at PSG, I don’t want to see him at Manchester United, I don’t want to see him at Arsenal. He’s tailor-made for us [Chelsea]."
While the release clause grants Arsenal an opportunity to swoop in, it is worth noting that Osimhen will reportedly command huge £250,000-per-week wages, which is an issue with most high-profile players right now, as Premier League sides look to trim down their salary bills and err on the side of PSR caution.