Arsenal is about to step up its pursuit of a new striker once again and offer £60 million for one of the best attackers in European football.
Benjamin Sesko’s decision to sign a new contract and pledge his short-term future to RB Leipzig delivered the Gunners an early setback, as they had intended to recruit a new No. 9 at the beginning of the transfer window.
After it was determined that players like Victor Osimhen and Alexander Isak were beyond their means, Arsenal turned their focus to acquiring a flexible winger who could rival and cover for Bukayo Saka.
Spain’s Euro 2024 hero Nico Williams emerged as Arsenal’s No.1 target in that department but he has his heart set on joining Barcelona from Athletic Bilbao.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are set to sanction the departure of Eddie Nketiah who is understood to have agreed terms over a move to Marseille.
The structure of that deal is yet to be settled upon but once the 25-year-old’s move is ratified, Mikel Arteta will again focus on bolstering his forward line.
Kai Haverz impressed during the run-in last season but it remains to be seen whether or not his hot streak can be maintained, while the fitness and injury record of Gabriel Jesus has become an increasing concern.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are ready to test the waters and tempt Sporting Lisbon with a bid of between £55m and £60m for Victor Gyokeres.
The Portuguese club believe, however, they can spark a bidding war and will still demand that the Sweden international’s £86m release clause be paid in full.
And with the former Coventry City player having scored an astonishing 43 goals in 50 appearances last season, Sporting’s confidence is well founded.
Chelsea and Atletico Madrid are also said to be monitoring the 26-year-old’s situation, while Liverpool also hold a long-standing interest, although the Merseyside club are not likely to make a bid at this stage of the window.
Arsenal have identified alternative targets and are keeping close tabs on the likes of Ajax’s Brian Brobbey and Lille’s Jonathan David.