The Gunners have had a quiet transfer window so far, with no new signings confirmed, but behind the scenes, they’ve been actively working on multiple deals. ..Continue Reading
Gyökeres, who netted 54 goals in 52 appearances last season, has been widely expected to leave Sporting following his standout campaign.
Arteta has made signing a top-class No. 9 his main objective this summer. After talks with Benjamin Šeško stalled, Arsenal shifted their focus to the prolific Swedish forward.
According to reports, Arsenal are close to finalizing terms with Gyökeres’ agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, and are now preparing to negotiate a transfer fee with Sporting Lisbon.
In addition to Gyökeres, Arsenal are also targeting Monaco’s creative midfielder Maghnes Akliouche. The 23-year-old Frenchman is attracting interest from Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham, and Nottingham Forest.
Monaco are reportedly resigned to losing Akliouche and have placed a £60 million valuation on him after a strong season in Ligue 1, where he tallied seven goals and 12 assists in 43 appearances.
Monaco chief Thiago Scuro has previously said on his possible exit: “For him to go, we have expectations. I think players at his level, not so many clubs can sign him. To go or to stay, both possibilities could be good for him.”
Adding Viktor Gyökeres and Maghnes Akliouche would further strengthen an Arsenal frontline that, when fully fit, already boasts impressive depth.
However, last season’s injury setbacks exposed the squad’s limitations, and Mikel Arteta is determined to bring in reinforcements this summer to avoid being caught short again.
Both Gyökeres and Akliouche would complement the attacking talents of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and emerging star Ethan Nwaneri.
Gyökeres has grown increasingly frustrated with Sporting Lisbon, as the club has denied the existence of a prior gentleman’s agreement to allow him to leave for a fee below his release clause.
Club president Frederico Varandas recently said: “Sporting is calm regarding this matter. Secondly, Sporting does not need to sell Viktor Gyokeres. Fortunately, we have moved past the phase of selling our main asset.
“However, we remain sensitive to Viktor’s dreams or those of any other athlete. Sporting has made a commitment that, after weeks of meetings, we will not demand the full amount of the clause; we will be reasonable regarding the amount requested for Viktor.”
