Mikel Arteta dealt major Viktor Gyokeres transfer blow on eve of first Arsenal audition

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Arsenal have already been making moves in an attempt to sign a striker in the approaching January transfer window.

The Gunners need to bolster their attacking contingent this winter. Mikel Arteta’s side have struggled for goals all too often this season.

This is a problem that Arteta will know that he needs to address if his side are to stand any chance of being crowned champions. Arsenal are actively in the market for a forward.

However, the North London club have already had one approach for a striker rebuffed.

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Viktor Gyokeres rejects Arsenal and Manchester United

According to El Nacional, Arsenal and Manchester United have both already made an approach to sign Viktor Gyokeres. However, the Swedish striker has rejected the advances from both Premier League clubs. 

Gyokeres has previously stated that he plans to remains at Sporting CP until the end of the season. However, that did not seemingly deter the Gunners from attempting to test his resolve on that stance.

The striker held firm though, also turning the chance to be reunited with former Sporting CP boss Ruben Anorim, who is now in charge at Old Trafford.

The North London club may not be ready to give up on their pursuit of Gyokeres though. It remains to be seen if Arsenal will return to the player with another attempt to lure him to the Emirates Stadium this winter.

Arsenal face Gyokeres test in Champions League

Arteta will have the chance to take a closer look at Gyokeres in action himself on Tuesday evening, as his Arsenal side will travel to Portugal to take on Sporting CP in a Champions League clash. 

Gyokeres certainly represents the most dangerous threat that the Arsenal defence will face in this fixture. The 26-year-old has been in scintillating form so far this season, and has already racked up an incredible 24 goals in just 19 appearances, across all competitions.

5 of those strikes have come in the Champions League, and he netted a hat-trick against Manchester City last time out in the competition.

The likes of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, along with the rest of the Arsenal rearguard, will need to be at their best to hold Gyokeres at bay. Meanwhile, the Sporting CP talisman will be keen to show Arteta exactly what he is missing out on.