Arsenal get triple striker boost as 'discount' emerges & '£25.6m talks kick off'

Arsenal have been linked with a number of strikers in recent weeks, and the Gunners have been handed a boost in their pursuit of three of their top targets

Arsenal could be gearing up for an exciting summer, with developments pointing towards strengthening their frontline. The North London club has long been on the hunt for a top-tier striker, and it seems that striking a deal for targets Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, and Hugo Ekitike has just got a tad easier.

Amidst the many players linked to the Emirates over recent weeks, it appears the club's hierarchy has a certain calibre of talent in mind, which spells good news for the Gunners faithful.

Sporting CP star Gyokeres remains one of their targets, though he is also wanted by Manchester United and several other European clubs. While Sesko appears to be Mikel Arteta's preference, a deal for Gyokeres if far from off the cards. And In a turn of events that may excite the Gunners, Sporting president Frederico Varandas admitted at the weekend that he could be sold for cheaper than first thought.

Varandas said: "Sporting is calm regarding this matter. Secondly, Sporting does not need to sell Viktor Gyokeres. Fortunately, we have moved past the phase of selling our main asset. However, we remain sensitive to Viktor's dreams or those of any other athlete.

"Sporting has made a commitment that, after weeks of meetings, we will not demand the full amount of the clause; we will be reasonable regarding the amount requested for Viktor. Today, there is a strong likelihood that he will leave.

"I won't disclose the amount, but the player knows what it is. I can say that Viktor will not leave for 60+10m. He won't leave, absolutely not."

Initially, it was thought that Gyokeres wouldn't depart from the Portuguese team for less than £85million this summer, but that no longer seems to be the case.

This price cut might lead to a change of thinking in Arteta's mind. Gyokeres scored an impressive 54 goals in all competitions last season - including six in the Champions League alone - and would be seen as a huge signing, just like Sesko.

However, the RB Leipzig striker could also be on the move this summer at a discounted rate, following reports that the German club has also lowered its asking price for the 22-year-old.

The young forward, who scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, is seen as a prime transfer target for Arteta, and the Spaniard will be thrilled by the latest developments with him.

It was initially reported that Leipzig wanted between £68m and £85m for Sesko, which deterred other clubs from wanting to secure his services. However, it is now being suggested that a fee of £59.7m is all it would take for Arsenal to lure Sesko to the Premier League.

Many believe Sesko is a better option over Gyokeres, given the age difference and the fact that the Bundesliga is considered a much tougher league than the Portuguese top flight.

However, Arteta is still considering one more option who appears to be on his way out of his club. Ekitike, who scored 22 goals for Eintracht Frankfurt during the 2024/25 season, has attracted interest from other Premier League sides, including Liverpool, United, and Chelsea. However, Arsenal have now suddenly joined the race for the prolific Frenchman.

GetFootball has reported that Frankfurt are nearing a deal for Union SG striker Franjo Ivanovic, who could cost around £25.6m. The 21-year-old is viewed as the ideal replacement for Ekitike, having scored 16 goals in Union SG's first league title win since 1935.

Ekitike's departure from Germany seems increasingly likely, with the 23-year-old Frenchman expected to leave either this summer or next. Finding a replacement for him will no doubt make things easier for clubs wanting to negotiate with Frankfurt for their striker.

However, Frankfurt are holding out for a hefty £85m fee, and reigning Premier League champions Liverpool are also keen, meaning he may well be the most complicated option out of the three forwards.