Arsenal are unlikely to make an offer for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres before the transfer window closes later this month, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Gunners are in the process of completing a deal for Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino but, when asked if any more players could arrive this summer, Romano confirmed that a move for a winger is more realistic than signing Gyokeres:
“Arsenal could add another offensive player. I don’t think it will be an expensive player like Viktor Gyokeres.”
“I think this is too expensive, but maybe a new winger, a different type of player who can provide fresh energy behind Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.”
Gyokeres’s asking price is too high
Reports in the Portuguese media revealed last week that Arsenal had sent scouts to watch Gyokeres in a friendly, prompting further speculation that a transfer was on the cards.
However, the forward has a €100m (£84m) release clause, which Sporting want paid in full, so it is not a complete surprise that an offer for the Swedish international has been ruled out.
Which winger could Arsenal target?
It has been widely reported that the London club would be keen on recruiting Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao but there are obstacles stopping that deal from going ahead.
Barcelona are said to be frontrunners for the Spanish international’s signature, although there are question marks over whether they can afford the player. Chelsea and Liverpool have also been mentioned as potential suitors.
One alternative to Williams being looked at by the Gunners is Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane. The German international has less than a year left on his contract so he could be available relatively cheaply. Furthermore, he knows manager Mikel Arteta well after the pair worked together at Manchester City.