When it comes to transfers, news from The Athletic’s David Ornstein can be as reliable as it gets. He has now shared some surprising news about Arsenal and their interest in Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres. Speaking on Sky Sports, Ornstein said that the Gunners are not prioritizing a move for Gyokeres, and neither is the Swede too keen on it. He said:
“The Sesko one I do think is an option for the summer. After that you look towards different profiles like Gyokeres and players of that ilk, but I don’t think that is one Arsenal have been prioritizing for the style, and I don’t think Viktor Gyokeres is prioritizing Arsenal either.”
Both the player’s as well as the Gunners’ stance in this situation comes as a bit of a surprise. The north Londoners have struggled to convert the sheer volume of chances they create, while Gyokeres is slowly building a reputation as one of the most renowned natural strikers in the modern game.
Arsenal will be wary about signing players from the Portuguese league, with fellow Premier League giants taking the plunge and their signings not coming good. Considering Sporting will demand a hefty fee, the Gunners are rightly wary of moving too fast.
Whom could Arsenal target instead of Gyokeres?
Viktor Gyokeres has been one of the most productive strikers in Europe this season. In just 32 appearances for Sporting across competitions, the Swede has racked up an eye-watering 34 goals and six assists as well. There are very few other players who can match his output, but the league he plays in also needs to be considered.
Other options are Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic, who has 12 goals and two assists in 25 games. There is RB Leipzig’s Lois Openda, who has bagged 10 goals and nine assists in 26 matches. Closer to home in England, Arsenal have also shown interest in Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, who has 17 goals and five assists in 24 matches.
Regardless of who comes in, one thing is clear that Mikel Arteta and Arsenal will not have their arm twisted into making a panic buy.
