Arsenal to "present" formal offer to sign £68m star in the "coming hours" - report

Arsenal are poised to present a formal offer for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, according to Portuguese outlet Record (page 5).

The Gunners are prioritising a new striker this summer, and they are widely expected to choose between two options.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko was initially the first choice, but the scenario has shifted somewhat over the past 24 hours.

The representative of Gyokeres had a meeting with Arsenal’s owners regarding a potential transfer yesterday.

The Gunners have now been tipped to ‘present’ a formal offer for the 27-year-old in the ‘coming hours’.

Manchester United are also anticipated to make an approach after speaking with his agent, but Arsenal have the upper hand.

Record report that the Gunners are the club ‘closest to taking the step forward’ to sign the £68 million-rated marksman.

Gyokeres would prefer them over the Red Devils due to his ambition to continue playing in the Champions League.

Arsenal could secure Gyokeres deal soon

The Swede had a sensational 2024/25 campaign with Sporting CP, scoring 54 goals and providing 13 assists from 52 outings.

The striker reportedly had a gentleman’s agreement to leave the Portuguese champions for £51 million plus £8.5m in add-ons, but the club have backtracked on the promise.

Sporting CP are now eyeing £68m to part ways with their prized asset. Despite this, Arsenal are pushing forward with a potential deal, having been in contact with his representative.

The Gunners have been the preference of Gyokeres from the beginning, and the same has been made crystal clear to his agent. Hence, we won’t be surprised if an official bid is made.

The 27-year-old would be a fabulous signing for the Gunners. He is in the prime phase of his career and would provide a significant upgrade on Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus up front.

The duo have not scored more than 15 goals per season at the club.

There are some concerns about whether Gyokeres can adapt to the physicality and intensity of the Premier League, considering the shortcomings of Darwin Nunez at Liverpool after his move from Benfica.

However, Arsenal seem convinced over his credentials and could be prepared to push forward with a deal if they can’t find a breakthrough with RB Leipzig for Sesko soon.

Leipzig are holding out for the striker’s £68 million release clause, but Arsenal have no plans of paying the fee in one lumpsum and prefer to negotiate a long-term package.

Sesko has yet to hit the heights of Gyokeres with only 21 goals last term, but he has huge potential at 22. The Bundesliga is obviously a more superior league to the Primeira Liga in terms of quality.

The Leipzig star appears more suited for the Premier League with his stronger aerial presence.

A formal bid for Gyokeres would indicate that they have decided to move on from the Slovenian.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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