EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal make €100m striker number one summer transfer target

Steve Kay

Updated: 13 Mar 2024 14:56 GMT
4 min read

Arsenal have made Viktor Gyokeres their number one striker transfer target for the upcoming summer window, FootballTransfers can reveal.

Article continues under the video

The Swedish forward has caught the eye of Arsenal scouts, who have been observing his performances over the last few months.

Sources close to the club reveal that the North London side's recruitment department have been concentrating their efforts on securing the talented striker, with ongoing assessments emphasising his compatibility with Mikel Arteta's style of play.

Gyokeres is versatile and can seamlessly slot into various attacking positions. His ability to play as a centre forward, right-wing, or left-wing aligns perfectly with Arteta's tactical vision. This adaptability sets him apart from other potential targets, such as Napoli star Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney of Brentford, who do not offer the same level of flexibility.

Arsenal's scouting process has seen the attacker deliver standout performances and now he is the preferred choice for the club's forward line. Last summer, Gyokeres penned a five-year deal with Primeira Liga outfit Sporting CP from Coventry City worth €20 million, with an additional €4 million in bonuses.

As part of the agreement, Coventry is entitled to receive 10 to 15% of any profit that Sporting accrues from the 25-year-old’s future transfer. The contract also contains a release clause of €100 million, though it’s not clear whether Sporting CP will be receptive to offers below that amount.

Why Arsenal bought Kai Havertz

It comes after FootballTransfers exclusive revealed that Arteta was talked into signing Kai Havertz after a discussion with his former coach at Bayer Leverkusen.

The German international headed a late winner against Brentford in a 2-1 success at the Emirates Stadium last weekend, sending the Gunners to the top of the Premier League table.

FootballTransfers can reveal Arteta held several conversations with Tayfun Korkut, Havertz’s former coach at Leverkusen.

Sources have revealed that the Arsenal boss had several telephone chats with Tayfun Korkut during the summer about his thoughts on Havertz, and where he would fit into the Arsenal side.

“He is not a No 6, clearly not. But I think in front of that he can play anywhere,” Korkut told Arteta.

© IMAGO - Kai Havertz has found his form at Arsenal

“Maybe his best position is as a No.8 in the 4-3-3 formation that many teams play now, somewhere between a No.8 and a No.10. He is more of a central player than a winger but it depends on the system.”

“Timo [Werner] works with his running but Kai is special.”

After the talks, Arteta wanted so badly Havertz because he could sense how low on confidence the player was at Chelsea and knew he could improve him.