Mikel Arteta has laid out a deadline for Arsenal to sign the brand new striker their supporters are craving.
The Gunners are intent on signing a brand new centre forward this summer having kept their powder dry within the January transfer window.
Having lost Gabriel Jesus to injury, Arteta was expected to sign a brand new No.9 but after spurning the chance to sign Ollie Watkins, Arsenal opted to rely solely on Kai Havertz.
That call almost immediately backfired when the Germany international tore his hamstring during a warm weather training camp and only returned to motion within the penultimate game of the campaign.
It was anticipated that Arsenal would address their lack of firepower as a priority once the window reopened but with just six weeks until the beginning of the brand new season they seem no closer to resolving a key issue.
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Based on Mail Sport, Arteta wants a brand new striker in place before the primary team squad jets off to Singapore for the beginning of their pre-season tour on July 19.
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko seemed to be the No.1 goal but agreeing a fee with the Bundesliga club has been anything but straightforward.
Sporting Director Andrea Berta has been in regular contact with Sporting Lisbon who’re resigned to losing their prolific Sweden international Viktor Gyokeres.
The 27-year-old is keen on a move to north London, and even split up along with his long-term girlfriend to assist facilitate a transfer, but he’s involved in a bitter dispute with the Portuguese club which is complicating any deal.
Arsenal could yet reignite their interest in Watkins who fell out of favour with Unai Emery towards the tip of last season, but could face competition from the likes of Manchester United who’re keen on the England star.
Expert evaluation: Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres is a bunch of various strikers blended into one. He’s a bulldozer, but he’s also got that turn of pace and knack of finding himself in shooting areas. Some strikers, you’ll be able to see they overthink things, but he’ll shoot first and ask questions later.
At 6ft 2in, he could definitely add an aerial presence to his game to take himself to the subsequent level, but he’s excellent at using his chest as a magnet to win these aerial duels.
He will not be as fearless as others in relation to aerial duels, but he knows use his strengths to his advantage to carry up the ball and produce others into play.
He’s not someone like Roberto Firmino who’s going to be dropping deep, so if Arsenal need to vary certain things to get one of the best out of Gyokeres then they need to.
Zach Lowy, European football expert
While the wait for a brand new source of goals continues, Arsenal are pressing ahead with their recruitment drive.
The signing of goalkeeper Kepa was confirmed earlier this week and it’s anticipated that Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard shall be unveiled imminently.
Arsenal are also making progress of their attempts to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace with the midfielder keen on returning to the club who released him when he was just 13.
A brand new winger can also be on the cards, with the likes of Rodrygo, Nico Williams, Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke all on Arsenal’s radar.
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