Viktor Gyökeres has followed the path of a £173.5 million Arsenal signing by clearly indicating he wants to join the club. His decision has made his intentions as a summer target unmistakable.
Gyökeres has done what three of Mikel Arteta’s previous signings also did. Arsenal is holding talks for both Gyökeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško as striker options.
Andrea Berta’s approach as sporting director allows flexibility before any final choice is made. When Berta arrived, Gyökeres appeared to be the main target, but Šeško has now become the focus.
Gyökeres has experienced major developments regarding his future at Sporting. Earlier this month, president Frederico Varandas announced there was no gentleman’s agreement to let him leave for £60 million (€70m).
Gyökeres responded, and his agents declined invitations for peace talks with Sporting officials. This was their second rejection in 24 hours, and Italian media reported he also refused Juventus despite an £11 million-per-year offer.
Corriere dello Sport said Juventus was informed the striker only wants to join Arsenal. Manchester United was also told he is focused solely on north London.
This is the ideal outcome for Arteta, who wants players to see the Emirates as their only choice. Manchester City bid for Declan Rice before Arsenal agreed to pay £105 million, and Rice later said Arteta convinced him the move was right.
Gyökeres rejecting other offers for Arsenal matches Arteta’s strategy. Like Declan Rice, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz, Gyökeres has shown he is determined to join Arsenal despite interest from other clubs.
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