'Arsenal is the preference': £62k per wk star wants Gunners move, has turned down two Saudi offers - report
Arsenal are poised to make multiple signings to strengthen the forward department in the coming weeks.
The club have made just one purchase in goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea thus far.
However, they are expected to confirm the arrivals of midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard from Real Sociedad and Brentford respectively.
The Gunners are also in advanced negotiations with Valencia for centre-back Cristhian Mosquera. The Spaniard has already agreed on personal terms with the club.
A striker could be the next priority. Portuguese outlet Record claim that Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has turned down offers from Saudi giants Al Qadsiah and Al Hilal.
He has his sights on moving to England, and ‘Arsenal is the preference’.
Arsenal could make a formal approach for Gyokeres
The Gunners have their sights on landing either RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko or Sporting CP’s Gyokeres for the centre-forward position. The latter has recently emerged as a likelier target.
The club have made some headway in the pursuit of Gyokeres in recent days. He has the backing of sporting director Andrea Berta, who believes he could make an instant impact.
Arsenal are reportedly ‘willing to offer‘ £60 million including add-ons for the Sweden international, but Sporting CP remain adamant that he won’t be sold for less than £69m.
The onus is now on the Gunners to convince Sporting CP into a deal. Gyokeres considers Arsenal his ‘dream‘ destination and has turned down a move to Manchester United.
Gyokeres, who earns £62,000 per week with bonuses, may not report for pre-season training on Monday as things stand. Record claim that he is continuing his holiday in Spain after leaving Greece.
The striker is obviously determined to leave the Portuguese champions. Arsenal have a clear path to sign him, but a middle ground may have to be reached over the transfer fee.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com
The post 'Arsenal is the preference': £62k per wk star wants Gunners move, has turned down two Saudi offers - report first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.