Arsenal move for £87m target now one ‘to watch’ in summer after scouting mission

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Although many would like to see Arsenal deliver a striker to Mikel Arteta in January, a summer move now seems more likely.

It’s widely believed that Arsenal will be quiet in the mid-season window, preferring to stick to a methodical approach after the season concludes.

And in line with that thought, Arsenal are now said to be interested in an £87m striker who left England not so long ago.

Journalist Ben Jacobs was speaking on ‘The Daily Briefing’ and revealed Arsenal’s interest in Viktor Gyokeres.

Often linked with Chelsea, Arsenal are also said to be in the running for next summer.

Jacobs said: “Viktor Gyokeres is flying for Sporting right now with nine league goals in 12 games.

“And if he is to leave then clubs are going to have to trigger (or better) his €100m release clause.

“He only joined Sporting in July and Ruben Amorim has been clear to his board that he doesn’t want to lose his star striker mid-season.”

He continued: “Both Arsenal and Chelsea have scouted Gyokeres, which is normal, but probably only the latter would have the financial muscle or some might say audacity, to move mid-season.

But Jacobs did ultimately think Arteta’s Arsenal would be more likely to chase a deal next summer.

He finished: “Arsenal, much like with any pursuit of Joao Palhinha at Fulham, won’t spend a crazy fee in January but could be one side to watch for Gyokeres over the summer.”

Mikel Arteta is now interested in bringing Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal next summer

Having left Coventry City in the summer, Gyokeres certainly would be an interesting target.

At 25-years-old, the Swede appears to still have a lot more potential to unlock.

Gyokeres has experienced an immense growth curve over the past year or so, one similar to the likes of Ivan Toney.

And when you consider that the much respected Brighton Hove Albion hierarchy let him go for just £1m in 2021, it’s quite amazing to see the sums now mentioned. 

That being said, Gyokeres’ release clause probably wouldn’t represent value for clubs interested, he’s not among Europe’s elite just yet.

But with more time to plan a replacement next summer, Sporting may prove willing to adjust their asking price.

If Arsenal are quiet in January, it certainly seems as if Mikel Arteta will be planning some big moves next summer.

And whilst Gyokeres could prove a smart deal, it would perhaps be more exciting to add a £120m superstar to this Arsenal project, a player could lift Arsenal to new heights.