Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reportedly issued a firm ultimatum to the club’s hierarchy, urging them to wrap up a deal for Viktor Gyokeres within the next two weeks, or risk missing out on their prime striker target this summer.
With the Gunners locked in an aggressive pursuit of Sporting Lisbon’s red-hot Swedish forward, Arteta has made it clear that he wants the transfer finalized before July 19, when the team flies out for their preseason tour in Singapore.
According to Mail Online, the Arsenal boss is keen to have his new striker embedded in the squad by the time the jet touches down in Asia.
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Gyokeres, who scored 43 goals across all competitions last season, has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal, and talks with Sporting are ongoing. The Portuguese club is demanding around €80 million (£69 million) for their talisman, a figure they’re standing firm on, despite being open to reasonable negotiations.
In a recent statement, Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas opened up about the Gyokeres situation. He acknowledged Arsenal’s interest and hinted that a deal could be on the horizon:
“Sporting is calm regarding this matter. We don’t need to sell Viktor Gyökeres. But we are sensitive to his dreams. While we won’t demand the full release clause, we are not letting him go for €60+10m. Absolutely not.”
Varandas also pointed to recent big-money moves in Europe to justify their valuation:
“I saw Zubimendi go for €65 million and Matheus Cunha move to Man United for around €75 million. Viktor is 26 and in top form. If his agent is doing his job, and he is one of the best, then I expect a fair deal soon.”
Arsenal’s interest in Gyokeres comes as part of a broader strategy to reinforce the squad and close the gap to Premier League champions Manchester City. Other names have been floated, including RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, but Gyokeres is understood to be Arteta’s top choice.
In parallel, Arsenal are moving fast in other areas. Martin Zubimendi is said to be close to completing his transfer to North London, while Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera has rejected a contract extension to push through a move to the Emirates.
With the clock ticking and the preseason schedule looming, the next 10 days could prove pivotal. Will Arsenal strike a deal in time to unleash Gyokeres in Asia? Or will the club’s hesitation cost them the striker Arteta believes is key to a title charge?
One thing is clear: Mikel Arteta has spoken. Now it’s up to the Arsenal board to deliver.
