As the summer transfer window enters its final hours, Arsenal’s search for a new center-forward has led them to consider Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP.
The 26-year-old Swedish striker has become a target for Arsenal due to his standout performances this season. However, securing Gyokeres’ signature could be a difficult task for Arsenal, given financial limitations, as highlighted in an exclusive report by Ben Jacobs for GiveMeSport.
Gyokeres has established himself as a prolific goal scorer, having netted 29 goals and provided 10 assists in league play last season. Across all competitions, his contributions were equally impressive, tallying a total of 43 goals and 15 assists during the 2023/24 season.
This remarkable form has made him an attractive prospect for Arsenal, who see him as a potential solution to strengthen their attacking lineup. However, acquiring Gyokeres will not come cheap; his release clause is set at a steep £84 million (€100 million).
This price tag poses a significant hurdle for Arsenal, particularly since they have already invested heavily in the transfer market this summer. With the transfer window nearing its end, such a substantial financial commitment may be hard to justify.
Under the leadership of manager Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s transfer strategy has focused on reinforcing the squad to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title, especially against rivals Manchester City.
The club has already made some significant signings, such as Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori, to strengthen the team in key areas. Bringing in a high-profile forward like Gyokeres would certainly add more firepower to their attack, but according to Jacobs, Arsenal’s cautious stance on big-money deals suggests they may be reluctant to commit such a large sum for Gyokeres, particularly so close to the end of the window.
Arsenal is also considering other striker options besides Gyokeres. The club has explored the possibilities of signing Santiago Gimenez and Evan Ferguson, but these alternatives present their own sets of challenges, both in terms of financial costs and fitting into Arsenal’s tactical framework.
This underscores the difficulty Arsenal faces in finding a top-tier striker who meets both their on-field requirements and budget constraints.
Meanwhile, Arsenal could see some departures as the window closes. Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has emerged as a potential exit candidate. Southampton, managed by Russell Martin, has shown interest in Ramsdale after their deal for Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow collapsed.
Additionally, Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly keeping a close eye on Ramsdale’s situation, further complicating Arsenal’s transfer dealings in the final hours of the window.
Overall, Arsenal’s activity in the final moments of the transfer window reflects their dual focus on strengthening their squad while managing financial limitations.
The pursuit of Gyokeres and other striker targets highlights their desire to enhance their attacking options, but financial prudence remains a key factor in their decision-making. With potential departures like Ramsdale also in play, Arsenal must navigate a delicate balancing act as they aim to build a squad capable of challenging for top honors in the Premier League this season.
