TERMS AGREED: Striker finally agree to join Arsenal on five-years transfer deal as the superstar arrives for medical
Arsenal have now received the green light to sign their “number one striker target” for a fee of just over £60m this summer, with talks now advancing, according to transfer expert Pete O’Rourke.
Gunners ramping up striker pursuit
In many ways, Mikel Merino has done an impressive job since being forced to fill in as a makeshift striker, scoring at Anfield in the recent 2-2 draw against Liverpool, while also assisting both goals in the 2-1 victory against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
However, with the Spaniard more accustomed to being a midfielder, it is looking increasingly likely the Gunners will bring in a new striker this summer, and there are signs that £75m-rated RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko could be a huge upgrade on Kai Havertz.
Sesko is believed to be one of the north Londoners’ top targets, alongside Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with sporting director Andrea Berta understood to be a huge fan of the Swede, who recently led his side to Liga Portugal title glory.
There has since been a new update on Arsenal and Berta’s pursuit of Gyokeres, with O’Rourke telling Football Insider: “For Gyokeres, talks are advancing between Arsenal and his representatives,“
“[Gyokeres] is emerging as the number one choice for Arsenal, and it seems there’s a willingness from all parties to get the deal done.
“The player is happy to come and Sporting CP are happy to sell for just over £60million.”
In the same report, it is revealed that Mikel Arteta isn’t totally sold on the idea of signing the 26-year-old, which indicates that Berta is driving the move.
Despite the manager’s concerns, however, it appears as though the deal is edging closer to completion, having received the green light from Sporting.
“Sensational” Gyokeres could be final piece of the jigsaw
Arsenal’s reluctance to sign a new striker in recent transfer windows has been much-maligned, with the decision arguably costing Arteta’s side in their Premier League title pursuit this season, considering they have had to make do without an out-and-out striker since February.
Havertz being ruled out for the rest of the season was a major blow for the Gunners, particularly considering he is not the only player to spend a long period of time on the sidelines, with Bukayo Saka also missing large parts of the season.
As such, Arsenal should undoubtedly be looking to bring in a new striker this summer, and it is exciting news that a deal for Gyokeres, who was once lauded as “sensational”, is now edging closer to completion.
The Sporting star has been simply incredible in front of goal this season, netting 39 goals in 33 Liga Portugal games, while also scoring six times in the Champions League, indicating that he could be the final piece of the jigsaw for Arteta.
