Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly agreed to join Arsenal in the summer transfer window, with the Londoners having jumped ahead of Manchester United in the race for his signature.
The Gunners were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Everton in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, with the result leaving them 11 points behind league-leaders Liverpool despite having played an additional game.
Fans are resigned to the fact that the club look destined to finish second for a third consecutive season, but they are also keen for Mikel Arteta to be provided with reinforcements in the summer.
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, but the Toon are likely to demand a fee close to £150m.
However, Correio da Manha report that Sporting Lisbon striker and Manchester United target Gyokeres has ‘given a yes’ to Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, and it is also claimed that he has been convinced by Arteta’s project.
© Imago
Why Arsenal make more sense for Gyokeres than United
United might have hoped to sign Gyokeres given boss Ruben Amorim coached the Swede in Portugal, but the Red Devils are currently in 13th place in the Premier League.
While the Gunners will be disappointed by their league campaign, they would have undoubtedly been much close to Liverpool had the likes of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus not suffered long-term injuries.
Arsenal finished just two points behind Manchester City in 2023-24, and Gyokeres could be the final signing needed to push the Londoners over the finish line.
Gyokeres is set to turn 27 in June and considering the short nature of footballing careers, it would also be surprising if the striker was willing to risk missing out on silverware by moving to Old Trafford.
© Imago
Arsenal’s underlying issues
Arsenal fans have long wanted the club to sign a striker to at least compete with Havertz in attack, and it is alarming that the Gunners have scored 56 goals this term, 14 fewer than Liverpool.
However, of more concern to Arteta will be his side’s underlying attacking numbers considering their xG tally of 46.7 is only the seventh best return in the league.
Rather than signing a striker to finish chances, the Gunners may need to address their lack of creativity in the summer window in order to provide their number nine with opportunities.
