Mikel Arteta has OBVIOUS next move after Arsenal COMPLETE deal for Riccardo Calafiori

Bence Bocsák

29 Jul 2024 13:45 BST
3 min read

Arsenal are getting closer and closer to finally wrapping up the signing of Riccardo Calafiori.

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However, Mikel Arteta's work is far from over this summer. The Gunners still have several areas where they need to bolster their options if they are to catch up with their league title rivals, Manchester City.

Most notably, one of the biggest gaps in the squad is a traditional no.9. Arsenal still lack an efficient goal-scorer who can be relied upon to score goals on a consistent basis.

Arteta experimented with Kai Havertz in that role or Gabriel Jesus - but neither have proved themselves to be a reliable option.

The Gunners' manager therefore needs to enter the market in order to find the right solution.

And if Arsenal are to enter the market, then there is an obvious next step for Mikel Arteta - in a player who is open to leaving his current club this summer.

© IMAGO - Arsenal should target Viktor Gyokeres.

Viktor Gyokeres should be Arsenal's next target

Few strikers in world football enjoyed as prolific of a campaign last season as Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres.

The Swede notched up 43 goals in 50 appearances for Sporting in all competitions and also provided 15 assists.

He has been on Arsenal's radar all throughout the summer - the only stumbling block seems to be the price Sporting will demand for his services.

Sporting have made it clear the club will not accept anything less than his €100m release clause this summer.

At that price, with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) - he would be an excessive purchase for Arsenal.

But there are few world-class players in that position who would be worth less than that kind of figure.

If Arteta is serious about improving his squad, he must bring in Gyokeres and be willing to spend big.

Arsenal will go nowhere trying to find a bargain in the no.9 position. Instead, the club should look to offload more deadwood to meet PSR rules and negotiate with Sporting to perhaps try to whittle down a prospective fee for Gyokeres.

The 25 year old is without a doubt the perfect package. He's got experience in English football, has the speed and physicality to dominate defences and the technical ability to involve himself in the build-up.

Crucially, he scores goals - which is what Arsenal will be looking for the most.