Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres remains a “very active” target for Arsenal, according to the Corriere Dello Sport.
The Italian publication originally published claims last week that a move for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen was on the cards.
However, it is believed that the Gunners have cooled their interest in the Nigerian international for now. Although Napoli are said to have lowered their demands to sell the forward, it seems like a deal is still beyond the reach of Mikel Arteta’s side.
Osimhen was on the market for €130m (£111.5m), which is the release clause in his contract, but it is thought that he could be signed on loan, as long as there is a mandatory clause to buy next summer. Arsenal have clearly decided that they can’t afford the player, leaving the likes of Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain to fight it out for the striker
What is the situation with Gyokeres?
It was reported in the Portuguese press that the Gunners have sent scouts to watch the Swedish international in pre-season, which does indicate that they are still very keen on the player.
There are question marks, though, over whether the club have the funds to meet Gyokeres’s asking price. It has been suggested that Sporting may accept a fee of around £60m, which is considerably lower than his £86m buyout clause, but Arsenal have not formalised their interest in the striker so far.
Signing a midfielder is currently Arsenal’s top priority
Despite supporters believing that Arteta needs to add more firepower to his squad, the manager’s main focus appears to be on reinforcing his midfield options.
Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino looks to be the primary target. The 28-year-old has less than a year left on his contract and he could be available for around £26m.