Arsenal set to scout talented striker target today ahead of potential bid as Mikel Arteta is frustrated with the lack of potent strikers at the club
Arsenal set to scout talented striker target today ahead of potential bid as Mikel Arteta is frustrated with the lack of potent strikers at the club
ARSENAL SET TO SCOUT STRIKER TARGET ON SATURDAY AHEAD OF POTENTIAL BID
Arsenal will have the opportunity to scout one of their transfer targets in the U.S. as he is expected to play for his club on Saturday
Arsenal are preparing to scout a transfer target on Saturday, with a potential bid in the pipeline if the evaluation goes well.
The Gunners are making significant strides in their recruitment efforts, closing in on Bologna’s No.33 Riccardo Calafiori after securing Tommy Setford from Ajax. Now, the focus shifts to acquiring a striker, with Arsenal set to watch Viktor Gyokeres in action.
According to a report from Correio da Manhã in Portugal, Arsenal will be observing Gyokeres as he plays for Sporting CP against Athletic Bilbao in the Cinco Violinos Trophy clash on Saturday. The Gunners have monitored the Swedish international multiple times, but this specific assessment aims to determine his effectiveness post-knee surgery.
Correio da Manhã indicates that Arsenal harbors concerns about Gyokeres’ recovery and whether he can replicate his outstanding form from last season, where he scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists in 50 appearances.
Should the scouts deliver positive feedback on his performance against Athletic Bilbao, Arsenal are expected to submit an official bid for the striker at the beginning of August.
Reports from TBR Football suggest that Sporting CP would be willing to sell Gyokeres for £60 million this summer. Correio da Manhã also mentions that Arsenal will continue monitoring the 26-year-old in Sporting CP’s upcoming friendlies against Farense and Sevilla.
Arsenal is cautious about potential injury risks, having experienced a setback last season when Jurrien Timber sustained an injury just 50 minutes into his Premier League debut, following a £38 million move from Ajax. Timber missed almost the entire 2023/24 campaign, making a brief return only in the final game.
Given this experience, Arsenal must be confident in Gyokeres’ fitness before making a substantial investment. Spending £60 million on one player would limit their ability to strengthen other positions due to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Therefore, manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu need assurance that Gyokeres is unlikely to suffer significant fitness issues similar to Timber’s before committing to such a large financial outlay.
