Arsenal step up Gyokeres chase with two preferred targets proving problematic

Arsenal are looking to sign a new striker in the summer and Andrea Berta, who has replaced Edu as the Gunners' sporting director, is said to be a big fan of Viktor Gyokeres

Arsenal have reportedly stepped up their interest in Viktor Gyokeres after Andrea Berta was confirmed as the club's new sporting director. Berta, who previously had the same role at Atletico Madrid, replaces Edu after he left the Emirates in November.

And Berta will have to hit the ground running with Arsenal set for a hugely important summer of transfer activity. A new striker is top of the shopping list, with the Gunners' Premier League title bid faltering after both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz suffered season-ending injuries.

Midfielder Mikel Merino has done an admirable job as a makeshift centre-forward, netting four goals in seven games, but it is clear a prolific goalscorer is needed. According to a report for the Athletic, Gyokeres is among Arsenal's top targets.

The report states that the Gunners are currently considering their options, with Gyokeres, Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko all on their list. However, Newcastle have no desire to sell Isak and it would take a 'massive fee' for them to consider cashing in.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is a big fan of the Sweden international, but he still has more than three years left on his current contract. Arsenal did attempt to sign Sesko last summer before the 21-year-old ultimately signed a new deal with RB Leipzig.

They could revisit their interest in the Slovenian this summer, but the report states it is 'unclear if they will proceed with a move' and a number of other clubs are also considering a swoop for Sesko.

As a result, Gyokeres has emerged as a 'more prominent candidate' and he is said to have 'long been admired' by Berta. Gyokeres has been one of the most prolific goalscorers in the world since joining Sporting from Coventry in 2023.

He has scored 85 goals in 92 appearances across all competitions and admitted earlier this season that he hopes to play for "one of the best teams in Europe" soon. When asked about his future ahead of the January transfer window, Gyokeres told Marca: "We will see.

"There are many rumours circulating, but we are in the middle of the season, there are still many months left. We will see when the time comes what will happen.

"My goal? To play for one of the best teams in Europe. That is the objective. It has been difficult at times. I have played many seasons in the Championship.

"It is a very good and tough league, but it is clear that I have always wanted to play in some important league."

Arsenal did attempt to sign a new forward in January, but a bid for Ollie Watkins was rejected by Aston Villa while a loan swoop for AC Milan striker Alvaro Morata was considered before he made the move to Galatasaray.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.