Arsenal transfer chiefs 'unconvinced' by Man Utd target as stakes rise for Ruben Amorim

Arsenal are reportedly preparing to splash out on a new striker. But one of Europe’s hottest centre-forwards, who has recently been linked with a move to north London, does not quite cut it for senior figures at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta has stuck with Kai Havertz as his starting Premier League frontman this campaign. And while the German is holding his own with five goals in 15 games, there is a belief in north London that greater firepower will be required moving forward.

According to The Daily Mail, the Gunners are putting plans in place to go big on a new attacking focal point at some point over the next 12 months.

Newcastle United star Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig ace Benjamin Sesko are both long-standing Arsenal targets. But another name to have been thrown into the mix in recent weeks is Sporting’s red-hot goal machine Viktor Gyokeres.

The Swedish international’s scoring form has slowed slightly since manager Ruben Amorim left the Lisbon giants to take over at Manchester United. But he still boasts a mind-boggling 18 goals in 14 league games this season, as well as five in six European ties.

Those numbers have top European sides clamouring to get a piece of Gyokeres. But Arsenal reportedly have reservations about a big-money move for the 26-year-old.

For one, his £83million release clause is a huge financial commitment. And even if Sporting would be willing to accept less – with a £63m price tag touted – it is still a large financial outlay for a player who will be 27 by the time next season gets underway.

In addition, the Gunners are reportedly skeptical about whether Gyokeres can replicate his Portuguese strike rate in a top European league. He was playing Championship football with Coventry City as recently as last year, and he left with 38 goals in 91 second-tier games.

Arsenal backing out of a move for Gyokeres entirely would up the stakes for Amorim. United have also been heavily linked with a deal that would reunite their new manager with the striker who fired him to the Liga Portugal title last season.

If the boss himself pushes for the move, it will be his neck on the line – particularly if a Premier League rival like Arsenal has concerns over whether he can cut it in the English top flight.

Erik ten Hag was put under extra pressure after spending United’s cash on a hoard of players he had worked with in the past, and not all of them worked out. Amorim will be keen to avoid putting himself in the same position.