Why Viktor Gyokeres is ahead of Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko in list of Arsenal striker candidates

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Arsenal are watching Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres closely as the summer transfer window edges closer.

On the day that Andrea Berta was announced as Arsenal’s sporting director, journalist David Ornstein shared an update on the transfer front.

Mikel Arteta’s hunt for a striker is the main event, with The Athletic reporter lifting the lid on Arsenal’s interest in Gyokeres. 

Gyokeres has been a long-term target for the Gunners however, he’s not been considered the favourite to bolster Arteta’s front line – until now.

• READ MORE: Andrea Berta breaks silence after Arsenal move as Josh Kroenke explains sporting director hire

Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal transfer update

Other candidates have been ahead of Gyokeres on the wishlist, but Berta’s arrival might have just changed such outlook.

In a report for The Athletic, Ornstein revealed that the Sweden international is now considered a ‘more prominent candidate’ than he was before. 

The renowned journalist detailed the reasons behind the spotlight now being on Gyokeres, mentioning the hurdles surrounding Benjamin Sesko and Alexander Isak’s availability.

Sesko’s agents were invited to the Emirates as interest in the 21-year-old has been evident for some time, but Ornstein confirmed that the striker has ‘multiple suitors’, making Arsenal’s stance unclear.

In the case of Isak, who Arteta admires greatly, it’s understood that Newcastle United aren’t willing to part ways with their talisman, which is unsurprising.

Isak could cost £150m, adding another pressure to the transfer, which is why Gyokeres is now thought to be the leading candidate.

Berta is said to be a long-term admirer of Gyokeres, which could influence Arsenal’s focus ahead of the opening of the transfer window.

Clear to see why Andrea Berta likes Gyokeres

For Berta, arriving at Arsenal at this moment couldn’t give the sporting director a clearer first task. 

The Gunners are in desperate need of a striker, making links to Gyokeres glaringly obvious. 

In the 2024/25 campaign, the Swede has scored 42 goals in 42 appearances for Sporting CP, also recording 11 assists to really flex his superiority in Portugal.

Things have been working for Gyokeres internationally too, finding the net 10 times in 2024 for his country.

Being a free-scoring powerhouse with experience of playing in England, Gyokeres to Arsenal makes sense, but will the situation be the same in the summer?