As Arsenal engages in a late transfer pursuit, Viktor Gyokeres has provided them with a clear summer plan.
Viktor Gyokeres has made his intentions clear regarding Arsenal’s summer strategy amid their ongoing transfer search.
As the transfer window approaches its conclusion, Arsenal finds itself without the anticipated signings that many expected by this stage of the summer.
At the onset of the summer, it was widely acknowledged that Mikel Arteta’s squad aimed to recruit a striker who could not only score goals but also provide a strong physical presence in the attacking line.
While Arteta insists that his team is not merely emulating Manchester City, it is challenging to overlook the influence of a team that has thrived since Erling Haaland’s arrival.
Throughout the summer, Arsenal has shifted its focus to other areas for reinforcement. Mikel Merino is nearly secured, and Riccardo Calafiori has strengthened the defense.
However, the North London club has yet to enhance its attacking options.
Eddie Nketiah’s potential transfer to Nottingham Forest fell through over the weekend, with Crystal Palace now appearing as a more probable destination, thereby opening a slot for a new striker.
Viktor Gyokeres fits the bill perfectly following an outstanding year. After departing Coventry City for Sporting Lisbon, few anticipated the remarkable statistics he would achieve.
In his first season, he netted 43 goals for Sporting and has already scored six goals in four matches across all competitions this season, dispelling any notions that his previous success was a one-off.
Consequently, his £86m release clause becomes increasingly appealing for a club in need of a striker that has not made significant expenditures this summer.
The challenge for Arsenal lies in Gyokeres’ apparent lack of interest in a Premier League move at this time. He appears quite satisfied in Portugal.
Although he suggested over the weekend that he was uncertain about his future before the transfer deadline, his social media presence does not indicate a desire to leave.
Sporting Lisbon features prominently on his Instagram, with one particular post standing out.
In mid-June, Gyokeres shared a video on Instagram with the caption: “Nobody cared until I put on the mask.” While this may primarily pertain to his celebration, there could be an underlying significance to his statement.
Prior to joining Sporting, Gyokeres’ career was largely spent in the lower leagues.
He did not make any appearances in the Premier League with Brighton and Hove Albion and has also played for Swansea City and Coventry before attracting interest from Lisbon.
The 26-year-old conveys a sense of gratitude towards Sporting for advancing his career and appears to have no immediate intention of leaving the club.
For Arteta, the challenge will be to persuade him that a transfer to the Emirates Stadium would provide him with greater opportunities, though even such efforts might fall short.
