Arsenal are not willing to splash the cash on Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres due to several reservations they have about the player, according to reports.
Writing in his column for the Daily Mail, reliable journalist Sami Mokbel said that the Gunners are not prepared to spend £85m on the Swedish international. That is mainly due to doubts over whether he can replicate his form in the Premier League and the fact that he will be 27 next summer.
Fans on X are split on whether a move for Gyokeres is a good idea:
Scandinavian Danny Ings Darwin Nunez 2.0
— Yasuke (@Yasuke1886) December 19, 2024
£85m for a player of that quality is not a risk or a huge outlay in this day and age.
— gazza (@gareth227) December 19, 2024
To be fair Darwin Nunez absolutely shredded the Portugese league, but he's not been able to replicate that in the PL. Isak a much better option imo (if it's possible).
— Alex AFC (@Vu1canR4veN) December 19, 2024
He can do it in the CL & International level so what is this nonsense?
— Big Willy (@Salibasexual02) December 19, 2024
Been saying this for months. This guy is 26 playing in the 6 or 7th rated league. He’s had 1 good season which was last season at 25 in the same league. If he was 21 by all means pay whatever for him but he’s 26 come on. The risk on this guy is way to high.
— Chetan Heer (@ChetanHeer19) December 19, 2024
I don’t get the age part. Turning 27 in football is entering your prime, a 4 year deal would take him up to 31… still in his prime years, all he it coming to the end of it tho. Just look what Salah is doing at 32.
— Sam Hutter (@SamHutter_) December 20, 2024
Gyokeres could still end up in England even if the Gunners withdraw
The forward has plenty of other Premier League suitors. Manchester City and Chelsea have been mentioned as potential destinations.
However, the fact that his former Sporting manager, Ruben Amorim, is now at Manchester United would probably make the Red Devils the favourites for his signature, if they can stump up the money.
Who could Arsenal target instead?
Mokbel believes there are two other names that Mikel Arteta’s side could pursue. Newcastle’s Alexander Isak remains on the club’s radar.
There are concerns about his injury record but he has proven himself in the Premier League. A move for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who Arsenal tried to sign last summer, may also be revived.
Find out who is in Arsenal’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
