Arsenal set to snub Viktor Gyokeres as Mikel Arteta transfer plan emerges

Arsenal are set to end their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres with Mikel Arteta reportedly turning his attention to a current Premier League star. The Gunners are determined to add to their forward power this summer, and have been linked to a host of targets.

Gyokeres, 26, has been heavily linked following a stunning season with Sporting CP in 2023/24.

The Swedish international has an £86million release clause, and has also been tracked by the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool.

But according to the Independent, Arteta is only prepared to sign a striker who he believes fits his intended style of play. Gyokeres, who has previously had stints with Coventry and Swansea, is renowned for his strength and ability to hold the ball-up, an apparent contrast to the qualities of Arsenal’s current front three.

For the same reasons, club interest in Ivan Toney has also seeminly cooled. Arteta wants a front man with the ability to drift out wide and cut in from the flanks, in the same vein as a Bukayo Saka or Gabriel Jesus.

The Spaniard is reportedly still prioritising getting Alexander Isak on board from Newcastle. Isak, another Swedish international, scored 21 Premier League goals last season, with only Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer striking more.

Arsenal scored 91 times in the league last season, with only Manchester City bettering that with 96. However, Arteta’s team were again plagued by the perception they lacked the clinical goalscorer needed to seal the title.

Having already turned David Raya’s loan deal into a permanent one this summer, and signed Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, Arteta appears intent on more business. Midfielders Adrien Rabiot and Mikel Merino, from Real Sociedad, have also been linked.

The money spent thus far has been offset by the sale of Emile Smith Rowe. The 24-year-old has joined Fulham in an initial £27m deal, which could eventually rise to £34m.

Arteta and co are now back from their pre-season tour of the US, after they were beaten 2-1 by Liverpool on Friday. And after that game, the manager hinted he felt his squad needed further building.

“The team has to be constantly evolving and improving because the level is higher and higher,” he said. “That’s what we are trying to do. But I think we are in good condition.”