Here We Go: Arsenal finally agree a total transfer fee of €100million to sign a highly rated attacker, the player has agreed six-years deal and will travel to complete the move today- He’ll provide 20+assists for Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal are reportedly eyeing Mainz striker Nelson Weiper who could be their answer to Benjamin Sesko after calling off a pursuit of the RB Leipzig striker.
FootballTransfers reports that the Gunners have been monitoring Weiper’s exploits at Mainz and in Germany’s U21 side, where he’s caught the eye with several impressive performances. He was on target in four consecutive games at the Under-21 European Championships earlier this summer.
The 20-year-old’s exploits during the tournament in Slovakia didn’t go unnoticed and Mikel Arteta’s North Londoners are one of three clubs from the English capital keen. He has a year left on his contract which puts Mainz under pressure to cash in.
Arsenal Keeping Tabs On Weiper
The German could be their Sesko alternative
Arsenal decided to switch their focus to Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres after spending weeks in negotiations with Leipzig for Sesko. The Swede is a step away from completing a £63.7m switch to the Emirates but he may be joined by a young frontman who can learn off him.
Weiper is on Arteta’s watchlist and the club want a forward “in the mould of Sesko” which fits with the profile of the Mainz youngster. He’s a six-foot-three-inch target man, dubbed “unplayable” thanks to his clinical finishing abilities, although there’s still room to grow.
Mainz manager Bo Henrksen gave a glowing verdict of the player after he returned from a long spell on the sidelines in January. He spoke about his potential (via Get Football News Germany):
“I told him that he would get a chance and that it was time for him to show what he’s capable of. [I told him] it was time to showcase his potential. He has enormous potential. I also told him that it was okay if he made mistakes. I just need to see power and energy.”
Arsenal are joined in the race for the 11-cap Germany U21 international by Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur, while other Premier League clubs have also been keeping an eye on his growth at Mainz. The Bundesliga club want to keep him at Mewa Arena and are thought to be demanding around €14m (£12.1m) to entertain a sale.
Gyokeres is the Gunners’ main focus and a deal looks to be close for the Swede who will undoubtedly become Arteta’s starting striker. The only holdup in the deal being finalized with Sporting CP is an agreement on add-ons.
The North London outfit could do with more options up top though even if they get the 27-year-old through the door. Gabriel Jesus continues to struggle with injury problems and injuries to Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka proved consequential last season.
