Gyokeres to Arsenal ‘more realistic’ than Isak – Ornstein

Viktor Gyokeres is rapidly emerging as a realistic transfer option for Arsenal, according to David Ornstein.

The Gunners are putting plans in place for a summer signing of a prolific, high-profile No.9. With the appointment sporting director Andrea Berta finally made official, Arsenal can fully focus on the upcoming transfer window.

This season has – once again – shown that the North London club need a reliable goalscorer and Arsenal are determined to rectify the mistakes of the past by finally bringing in a solution.

A host of names have been linked with a move to the Emirates. Alexander Isak is Mikel Arteta’s dream target, but Newcastle don’t want to sell. Liam Delap has emerged as an option in recent days, too.

Benjamin Sesko has been viewed as Arsenal’s top target for the striker position due to the club already having put significant work into convincing the player. However, David Ornstein of The Athletic now reports that a move for the Slovenia international is far from guaranteed.

Arsenal’s Gyokeres interest growing

According to the transfer insider, it is as yet unclear whether Arsenal will actually proceed with a move for Sesko even though he could prove to be the most ‘cost-effective’ option.

Sesko has a variable release clause at RB Leipzig that currently stands at €70 million but could yet rise to €80m. This is a hefty fee, but he is considered as one of the biggest striker prospects in world football.

Intriguingly, Ornstein reports that Arsenal are rapidly developing an interest in Viktor Gyokeres following the appointment of Berta. The Italian director is described as a ‘firm admirer’ of the Swede and he is seen as a more realistic option than Isak, for example.

Indeed, Ornstein goes so far as to suggest that Gyokeres is now ‘a more prominent candidate than he might have been in the past.’ The 26-year-old has a €100m release clause at Sporting CP but is expected to be allowed to leave for around €60m-€70m this summer.

Gyokeres has scored a scarcely believable 42 goals in 42 games for the Lisbon giants this season while also providing 11 assists.