Arsenal now ‘very close’ to signing ‘unplayable’ transfer target who will solve key Arteta problem

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Arsenal are closing in on a statement signing who would solve a key issue in Mikel Arteta’s squad at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal are known to be on the hunt for a new striker. 

Whilst Kai Havertz emerged as an ideal target man for the Gunners last season, and led the line fantastically for the club after the turn of the year, Mikel Arteta is still keen to add extra depth to his ranks in that part of the pitch. 

Eddie Nketiah is expected to depart the Emirates Stadium this summer, whilst Arsenal are also said to be open to offers for Gabriel Jesus. If this duo do leave the club, then the need for a new goalscorer will become even more pressing. 

Arsenal were keen to sign Benjamin Sesko. However, the Slovenian recently decided to stay at RB Leipzig and sign a new contract with the German outfit, forcing Arteta to have to pivot to alternative targets.

The Gunners have been linked with numerous strikers in recent weeks, with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Ivan Toney, Dominic Solanke, and Joshua Zirkzee, amongst others, all having been named in connection with the club.

It would now seem, though, that Arsenal have another target in their sights, and sporting director Edu is said to be on the verge of securing his services.

• READ MORE: How much Arsenal paid to sign every first-team player in the transfer market

Arsenal on verge of signing Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres

The North London club could be about to add Viktor Gyokeres to their ranks ahead of the new season.

According to Leonino, Arsenal are “very close” to signing the 26-year-old, with negotiations at an “advanced stage” and “financial details being finalised.”

Sporting and Arsenal expected a deal to be reached and the transfer confirmed by the end of the month.

What Gyokeres will bring to Arsenal, and the risk that Mikel Arteta is taking

Gyokeres would certainly be an exciting addition to Arteta’s squad. The 20-cap Sweden international has been described as “unplayable” in the past, and was in sensational form last season. 

In 50 appearances for Sporting, across all competitions, he racked up 43 goals and 15 assists, as he fired the club to a title triumph.

He also has previous experience of English football, having plied his trade for Coventry City, Swansea City, and Brighton & Hove Albion in the past. However, he has never previously featured in the Premier League, and will be desperate to prove that he can make the grade at that level.

Given there is a significant difference between the standards of the Portuguese top flight and the Premier League, this is a transfer that carries an element of risk for Arsenal. With his pace, power, technical ability, clinical finishing, and physicality, though, Gyokeres has all the ingredients required to shine for the Gunners.

In any case, with Havertz now established as the first-choice Arsenal striker, Gyokeres will have the chance to ease himself into life in North London as a much-needed back up option for the German.