- 6 hours ago
Fabrizio Romano reveals problem with Arsenal’s Gyokeres deal
Carlo Garganese
- 2 Jul 2024 09:30 BST
- 3 min read
Fabrizio Romano has revealed why it is difficult for Arsenal to sign Victor Gyokeres right now.
The Gunners are in the market for a top striker this summer and have returned to the drawing board after failing to secure their top target, Benjamin Sesko.
Gyokeres is one of the alternative options for Arsenal, who have been following the Sporting Lisbon striker for several months.
However, Romano explains that Sporting’s current demands are simply too expensive and this is why Arsenal have not advanced on a deal.
What did Romano say?
“Gyokeres could be an interesting situation for all the clubs looking for strikers around Europe, and not only Europe, maybe also with Saudi for example,” Romano said.
“I still remember last summer, there was strong interest from Saudi for Victor Osimhen. So for both Gyokeres and Osimhen, the situation is quite interesting.
“For Gyokeres, Sporting still want a release clause. They want a package of €100m (£85m) for Victor Gyokeres.
"This is an expensive deal, and this is why Arsenal have shown interest in the recent months but, at the moment, are still not advancing, because they want to understand how much is going to be the final package.
“We know that sometimes, in the market, the price can change. In June, you have a price, and then in July and August, it can change. So let's see what Arsenal will decide to do.”
READ MORE: European Golden Shoe 2023/24: Who is Europe’s leading striker?
As revealed by Romano, Gyokeres has a €100m release clause in his Sporting Lisbon contract.
Arsenal have no intention to pay such a huge amount but they would be open to negotiate a much smaller fee.
Arsenal move for Gyokeres
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes that Gyokeres can bring the team the goals they have missed from the number nine position in the last two seasons.
Gyokeres scored a sensational 43 goals in 50 games in all competitions for Portuguese champions Sporting this past season.
His 29 league goals means he finished the season as Primeira Liga top scorer.
Arteta has been forced to often use Kai Havertz in an unnatural striker role this past season.
While Gabriel Jesus has impressed over the last two seasons in his overall play, he has not proved to be prolific enough for a team who wants to win the Premier League and challenge for the Champions League.
Jesus has just 19 goals in 69 appearances for Arsenal, a total that Gyokeres more than doubled this past season alone for Sporting Lisbon.
