Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal have turned attention to signing one of Arsenal’s transfer targets this summer.
Al-Hilal recently suffered a big setback as Napoli striker Victor Osimhen snubbed a lucrative deal.
The club verbally agreed to pay Osimhen’s £63 million release clause but could not finalise personal terms, as per L’Equipe.
The Nigerian striker was offered an annual salary of £33.7m plus £4.2m in bonuses, but he is determined to stay in Europe.
L’Equipe add that Al-Hilal have now turned their focus to signing Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.
The club have tabled a £29.5m contract offer to the Swede, excluding potential bonuses.
They are also prepared to pay £55m to purchase the 27-year-old from the Portuguese champions.
Record (page 12) today have relayed the story but claim that Gyokeres has no plans of leaving Europe at the current point.
He wants to experience the best leagues in the continent in addition to continuing to play in the Champions League.
Arsenal could turn to Gyokeres if Benjamin Sesko talks break down
Gyokeres had a sensational 2024/25 campaign with Sporting CP. He registered 54 goals and 13 assists from just 52 outings.
The Swede has a gentleman’s agreement to leave Sporting CP this summer and has been heavily linked with the Gunners.
As per journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the striker has already given ‘his verbal agreement‘ to join the club.
Arsenal are working on multiple fronts simultaneously and consider Gyokeres as a fallback option if Sesko does not join this summer.
The Gunners obviously prefer Benjamin Sesko over Gyokeres. He is five years younger than the Swede at 22 and has immense potential.
The London giants have scheduled the next round of talks with RB Leipzig for Sesko, who is valued between £67m and £84m.
Arsenal are exploring a long-term payment plan for the young marksman. Hopefully, an agreement will be reached in the next few days.
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