Arsenal are poised to take a major leap in the transfer market with a verbal agreement reportedly struck with Viktor Gyokeres’ agent, signaling the club’s intent to finally end their striker search.
But Mikel Arteta isn’t stopping there, he’s also eyeing Monaco’s rising star Maghnes Akliouche in what could become a blockbuster summer at the Emirates.
After missing out on Benjamin Sesko, Arsenal quickly shifted their focus to Gyokeres, the prolific Swedish striker who netted over 50 goals last season for Sporting Lisbon.
According to L’Équipe, the Gunners have reached a verbal agreement with Gyokeres’ agent Hasan Cetinkaya, meaning only a fee needs to be negotiated with the Portuguese club.
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Despite speculation that a gentleman’s agreement existed to let Gyokeres leave for less than his release clause, Sporting Lisbon President Frederico Varandas has pushed back, clarifying the club’s position.
“Sporting is calm regarding this matter. Sporting does not need to sell Viktor Gyokeres,” said Varandas.
“We have moved past the phase of selling our main asset… But we remain sensitive to Viktor’s dreams… We will not demand the full amount of the clause; we will be reasonable.”
The Gunners’ pursuit of attacking reinforcements doesn’t end there. Arteta is reportedly targeting Maghnes Akliouche, Monaco’s French U21 sensation who’s also on the radar of Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham, and Nottingham Forest. Valued at around £60 million, Akliouche impressed last season as a regular starter in Ligue 1.
Monaco sporting director Thiago Scuro acknowledged that an exit is a possibility:
“For him to go, we have expectations. I think players at his level, not so many clubs can sign him. To go or to stay, both possibilities could be good for him.”
If both Gyokeres and Akliouche arrive, it would give Arsenal one of the deepest attacking lineups in the Premier League, with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and teenage star Ethan Nwaneri already in the fold.
The lack of depth due to injuries last season cost the Gunners dearly, and Arteta appears determined not to let history repeat itself.
So while no official deals are sealed yet, the signs are clear: Arsenal are making their move, and the Emirates could soon be buzzing with a new lethal striker and a dazzling creative midfielder.
