Switch information skilled Fabrizio Romano has claimed though Arsenal admires Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, they have been nowhere near signing him within the 2024-25 summer time switch window. The Italian, nevertheless, has recommended that issues might fall into place subsequent summer time.
Arsenal Have been Anticipated To Signal A Striker This Summer time
Arsenal’s pure center-forwards Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah chipped in with simply 9 objectives within the 2023-24 Premier League season. Kai Havertz (13 objectives) and Bukayo Saka (16 objectives) did wonderful injury management, however naturally couldn’t disguise the absence of a medical center-forward.
There was the expectation that Mikel Arteta would lastly have an environment friendly striker at his disposal this season. In response to reviews, the North London membership was monitoring many prime center-forwards, together with Ivan Toney (joined Al-Ahli), Victor Osimhen (joined Galatasaray), and Gyokeres. Not solely did Arsenal chorus from going after any of the three gamers however they opted to not bolster their center-forward place altogether.
Fabrizio Romano Explains Why Viktor Gyokeres Deal Did Not Materialize
In his Every day Briefing column for CaughtOffside, defined why Arsenal didn’t signal Gyokeres or any of the opposite high-profile strikers on their shortlist.
The Italian journalist revealed:
“Viktor Gyokeres continues to point out his wonderful type for each Sporting and for the Swedish nationwide workforce, however was he near becoming a member of any membership this summer time? From what I’m listening to, there was by no means actually one thing shut or concrete when it comes to correct negotiations.
“There was clearly some curiosity, however golf equipment weren’t prepared to spend one thing loopy like €100m, his launch clause, this summer time. There was robust curiosity, particularly from England, for instance Arsenal firstly of the summer time have been contemplating strikers. Benjamin Sesko was somebody they have been eager on, Victor Osimhen was a chance, then Gyokeres as properly, however in the end they determined to not spend that type of cash on that place.”
He added:
“Perhaps subsequent summer time that can change, however for this summer time Arsenal didn’t need to make that type of funding for a quantity 9. Gyokeres stays appreciated, additionally by many golf equipment round Europe, however this summer time nobody was prepared to pay his launch clause, and so he was by no means near leaving Sporting. His membership have been by no means going to simply accept one thing like €50-60m regardless of what some reviews have been saying, so let’s respect Sporting now firstly of the season and see what occurs and if issues can change sooner or later.”
Gyokeres, 26, loved his best-ever season at Sporting CP in 2023-24, scoring 43 objectives in 50 video games. He has had an equally blistering begin this time period, netting seven instances in 4 matches.
