BID ACCEPTED: Arsenal’s £122million bid for Europe’s elite striker has been accepted as the superstar arrives in London to complete his medical- Five-years deal will be signed immediately
Arsenal are now preparing a £69m offer for a “world-class” forward, who could be in line to join alongside Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, according to a report.
Berta keen to strengthen Arsenal attack
Andrea Berta’s first summer transfer window as sporting director has been very impressive, with the Italian securing deals for the likes of Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke and Christian Norgaard, but the Gunners are still lacking a top striker.
Despite links to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko earlier in the window, it is now apparent that Gyokeres is Mikel Arteta’s top target, and a breakthrough is expected soon, with the manager keen to get a deal done before Wednesday’s friendly against AC Milan.
This comes over a week after Arsenal reached an agreement in principle to sign the Sweden international, although recent claims suggest Man Utd could look to hijack the Gunners’ move for Gyokeres.
Having already strengthened in wide areas, Gyokeres could be the final piece of the jigsaw for Arteta, with the manager aiming to finally win the Premier League title next season.
He’s like Saka & Saliba: Arsenal set to complete move to sign “elite” star
However, despite the addition of Madueke, the north Londoners remain keen on adding another winger to their ranks, and an opening bid is now in the works.
That is according to a report from Spain, which states Arsenal are now preparing a €80m (£69m) offer for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, with Arteta viewing the forward as the ideal option to strengthen the left-wing area.
However, it remains to be seen whether the Gunners are able to tempt Madrid into a sale, given that the Spanish side value the Brazilian at €100m (£87m), and they are in a strong negotiating position, as there are still three years remaining on his contract.
There could also be rival interest from Liverpool, with Arne Slot’s side also expressing an interest in the 24-year-old, although they are yet to make any formal moves of their own.
The player himself is said to be open to testing himself outside Spain, indicating a move to the Emirates Stadium could appeal to the Real Madrid ace.
“World-class” Rodrygo could be Martinelli upgrade
Lauded as “world-class” by former teammate Luka Modric, the Madrid forward featured regularly throughout the 2024-25 campaign, during which time he showcased his ability to score goals and set up his teammates on a regular basis.
As such, the Brazil international could be an upgrade on international teammate Gabriel Martinelli, who has arguably failed to kick on since a very impressive 2022-23 season, picking up just eight Premier League assists across the past two seasons.
The former Santos man also scored a remarkable solo goal against Atletico Madrid in the 2022-23 campaign, once again showcasing his dribbling ability.
