Arsenal have been handed a potential twist in their pursuit of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres this summer - thanks to Victor Osimhen.
The Gunners’ transfer priority is to sign a striker in the transfer window. Several names have already been linked, with Gyokeres a long-term target.
The club are however pushing ahead with a deal to sign Red Bull Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko ahead of the Sweden international. That could allow other clubs to make their move for Gyokeres.
Manchester United are one of the teams linked with the Sporting player this summer, with Ruben Amorim reportedly keen on a reunion with his former striker. However, reports now claim that they will face more competition.
According to FootMercato , Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal have identified Gyokeres as a ‘priority target’ this summer as they aim to sign a world class striker. The report says that the striker is ‘actively followed’ by the club.
Their interest comes just after Napoli striker Osimhen reportedly turned down a move to the club. Over the weekend it was claimed that Al-Hilal had scheduled a medical for the Nigerian striker with a £63m deal agreed, but a move now appears to have fallen through with Osimhen rejecting their advances despite being offered a lucrative salary.
Victor Osimhen has rejected an offer to move to Al-Hilal
Victor Osimhen has rejected an offer to move to Al-Hilal (Image: Getty Images)
It leaves the club looking for an alternative option, with Gyokeres now mentioned. Despite reports that Sporting would be willing to accept a fee of around €60 million (£50.5m), this report claims that they will not budge from his €100 million (£84.2m) release clause, which could explain Arsenal and other clubs looking elsewhere.
That is however said not to put Al-Hilal off. The club are said to be eager to back new manager Simone Inzaghi, who has recently been appointed after leaving Inter Milan.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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