Mikel Arteta now has a huge transfer decision to make as Arsenal have made contact about a potential deal or Victor Osimhen.
Arsenal are on the hunt for a new striker this summer.
The Gunners already tried to sign Benjamin Sesko earlier in the transfer window, but were snubbed by the Slovenian striker who instead opted to sign a new contract with RB Leipzig.
Mikel Arteta has now had to pivot to alternative targets. Arsenal are now pushing to sign Viktor Gyokeres in a deal that could be worth £85 million.
The Swedish striker was prolific for Sporting last season, but there is no doubt that spending such a hefty fee on the forward would represent a significant risk, as he is unproven at Premier League level and there is an undeniable difference in standards between the top flights in England and Portugal.
Meanwhile, the North London club have now entered the race to sign Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen.
Arsenal reach out to Victor Osimhen
According to Corriere dello Sport, Osimhen is expected to leave Napoli this summer, with PSG currently in pole position to secure his services. However, Arsenal have now “enquired” about the Nigerian international’s availability.
Signing Osimhen would certainly represent a real statement of intent from the Gunners, as the 25-year-old is one of the most high profile players in Serie A. Of course, this means that he won’t come to the Emirates Stadium cheaply.
Signing either Gyokeres or Osimhen represents a costly and complicated deal, and as such the Gunners can only really afford to pour their time and resources into an effort to get one of them over line.
This situation leaves Arteta and sporting director Edu with a monumental decision to make.
Should Arsenal push to sign Osimhen or Viktor Gyokeres?
For all of Gyokeres’ quality and attractive attributes, if a realistic chance to sign Osimhen exists then Arsenal must make him their top priority. He has proven himself at a higher level than Gyokeres, and is one of the best finishers in world football.
The 35-cap Nigeria international could become a goal machine for the Gunners, thriving off the service provided by the likes of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka.
However, Arsenal still remain an outside bet to win the race for Osimhen’s signature. On a more practical level, focusing on Gyokeres may represent the wiser move.
Of course, there is also an argument that signing a striker should not be the club’s top priority at all. Gabriel Jesus has sent a message to Arsenal with his pre-season form and recent comments that he has what it takes to be Arteta’s main man at the top of pitch.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
