Switch information professional Fabrizio Romano has claimed though Arsenal admires Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, they had been nowhere near signing him within the 2024-25 summer season switch window. The Italian, nevertheless, has prompt that issues may fall into place subsequent summer season.
Arsenal Have been Anticipated To Signal A Striker This Summer season
Arsenal’s pure center-forwards Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah chipped in with simply 9 objectives within the 2023-24 Premier League season. Kai Havertz (13 objectives) and Bukayo Saka (16 objectives) did wonderful harm management, however naturally couldn’t disguise the absence of a scientific center-forward.
There was the expectation that Mikel Arteta would lastly have an environment friendly striker at his disposal this season. Based on studies, the North London membership was monitoring many high center-forwards, together with Ivan Toney (joined Al-Ahli), Victor Osimhen (joined Galatasaray), and Gyokeres. Not solely did Arsenal chorus from going after any of the three gamers however they opted to not bolster their center-forward place altogether.
Fabrizio Romano Explains Why Viktor Gyokeres Deal Did Not Materialize
In his Each day Briefing column for CaughtOffside, defined why Arsenal didn’t signal Gyokeres or any of the opposite high-profile strikers on their shortlist.
The Italian journalist revealed:
“Viktor Gyokeres continues to point out his wonderful kind for each Sporting and for the Swedish nationwide crew, however was he near becoming a member of any membership this summer season? From what I’m listening to, there was by no means actually one thing shut or concrete by way of correct negotiations.
“There was clearly some curiosity, however golf equipment weren’t prepared to spend one thing loopy like €100m, his launch clause, this summer season. There was robust curiosity, particularly from England, for instance Arsenal initially of the summer season had been contemplating strikers. Benjamin Sesko was somebody they had been eager on, Victor Osimhen was a chance, then Gyokeres as properly, however in the end they determined to not spend that form of cash on that place.”
He added:
“Perhaps subsequent summer season that may change, however for this summer season Arsenal didn’t wish to make that form of funding for a quantity 9. Gyokeres stays appreciated, additionally by many golf equipment round Europe, however this summer season nobody was prepared to pay his launch clause, and so he was by no means near leaving Sporting. His membership had been by no means going to just accept one thing like €50-60m regardless of what some studies had been saying, so let’s respect Sporting now in the beginning of the season and see what occurs and if issues can change sooner or later.”
Gyokeres, 26, loved his best-ever season at Sporting CP in 2023-24, scoring 43 objectives in 50 video games. He has had an equally blistering begin this time period, netting seven instances in 4 matches.