Arsenal is currently in talks with Sporting over securing Viktor Gyoker’s transfer.
Though the agreement for the Swedish forward isn’t complete, he has reportedly become Arsenal’s preferred choice this summer, especially with Benjamin Sesco negotiating with RB Leipzig, where the Bundesliga club is firming up a hefty price of around $94 million for the young Slovenian striker.
On the other hand, Gyoker’s transfer fee has become a surprising point of contention between the two parties. Sporting’s president, Frederico Varandas, asserted last month that he wouldn’t bow to “fearing mail and humiliation” concerning the desired amount. Although Arsenal and Sporting haven’t reached a financial agreement yet, Gyoker is inclined to move to north London as manager Mikel Arteta aims to enhance his squad ahead of the preseason, which begins next week.
The center-forward position, which Arsenal has been striving to fill for some time, is supported by their sporting director, Andrea Berta, who took up his role in March. Arsenal has been monitoring the 27-year-old Gyoker closely and had been scouting him during the recent 2023 season, where he played a crucial role in elevating Coventry City from the Championship finals.
Gyoker’s strong performance adds an interesting dynamic compared to Sesco, who is five years younger and competes in a more challenging league—but managed to score 39 goals in 87 appearances for Salzburg before joining Leipzig. It’s still unconfirmed if Arsenal has completely shifted their interest away from the Slovenian. CBS Sports mentioned last month that Sesco has been sought after by Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal. Sesco is believed to favor the move to the Premier League.
### Fan Take:
This news is significant for soccer enthusiasts as it highlights Arsenal’s strategic moves to bolster their squad significantly before the season kicks off. The potential signing of Gyoker not only reflects the club’s ambitions but also signals an exciting shift in competitive dynamics in the Premier League.
