Mikel Arteta’s men were crying out for a prolific number nine to lead the line last season as they challenged for the Premier League title.
They ultimately finished two points short of title-winners Manchester City, so the onus will now be to go one better in the fast-approaching season.
To do that, it’s become apparent that they need a top-level striker and a fresh update on their pursuit of one has just emerged.
Arsenal will now focus their attention on Viktor Gyokeres
According to Corriere dello Sport, via The Standard, Arsenal have deemed Napoli striker Victor Osimhen too expensive.
They now favour a move for Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, who is considered the cheaper alternative among the list of forwards.
The 26-year-old has an £85m release clause but is expected to be available for less than that.
TBR reported last month that Arsenal were only prepared to pay up to £60m for the ‘lethal’ forward, who netted 43 times whilst laying on 15 assists last term.
Viktor Gyokeres statistics
Gyokeres’s FBref statistics make for very impressive reading and only amplify why he’d be a perfect fit for Arteta’s title-chasing side.
He ranks in the top one per cent for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90 compared to his positional peers across Europe.
Further, he sits in the top four per cent for non-penalty goals and assists – evincing how well-rounded his game is.
Gyokeres is more than just a goalscorer, his link-up play is fantastic and he’d create plenty of chances for Arsenal’s other forwards – should a deal go through.
A telling few weeks lie ahead.
0 Comments