€70m Arsenal target is 'too expensive' - Romano

Cameron Smith

1 Aug 2024 10:30 BST
3 min read

Arsenal remain interested in signing a new attacker this summer, but Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is currently deemed too expensive by the Gunners.

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The Sweden international has been a key target for Mikel Arteta’s side for the past few months after a sensational first season in Portugal.

Gyokeres bagged 43 goals in all competitions during his debut campaign at Sporting CP following a €21 million move from Coventry City.

Following his form last year, the 26-year-old has garnered mass transfer interest, with Arsenal and Chelsea among the clubs interested in signing him.

In fact, FootballTransfers understands that he is still wanted by the north London club. We have been informed that Arsenal are willing to bid up to €60m for Gyokeres, although this doesn’t align with Sporting’s €70m asking price.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now backed this up, admitting to Men in Blazers (as per CaughtOffside): “Then if there are more outgoings there are some possibilities that Arsenal could add another offensive player.

EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal agree personal terms with Mikel Merino

“I don’t think it will be an expensive player like Viktor Gyokeres. I think this is too expensive, but maybe a new winger, a different type of player who can provide fresh energy behind Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.”

Arsenal’s summer transfer plans

Arsenal have already completed the permanent signings of David Raya from Brentford and Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna as Arteta looks to finally leapfrog Manchester City in the Premier League pecking order.

In addition, the Gunners are close to completing a €30m deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, with personal terms agreed, as exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers.

Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze has also been linked, as Arsenal chase a new attacker, while Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Pedro Neto is a long-term target. Nico Williams was the club’s first-choice option, but he looks set to stay at Athletic Club until at least 2025.