Arsenal Eye £63m Striker as "Better Version" of Erling Haaland
Arsenal have reportedly made contact regarding a summer move for a £63 million striker who has been described as a "better version" of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
Gunners Intensify Striker Search
As the Premier League season nears its climax, Arsenal’s title hopes appear slim, with Liverpool holding a 12-point lead at the top. With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus sidelined, Mikel Arteta has relied on Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker. Merino has impressed, scoring in the recent 1-0 victory over Chelsea, but it’s clear that Arsenal’s priority this summer is to sign a proven centre-forward.
Arteta has already initiated talks to sign Lille’s Jonathan David, while RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko remains a potential target, with groundwork already laid for the Slovenian. The Gunners are also admirers of Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, though his availability is uncertain given his importance to the Magpies.
As an alternative, Arsenal have identified Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres as a key target, according to reports from Portugal (via Sport Witness). The club has reportedly made contact to arrange a formal meeting with Gyokeres’ agent, Hasan Çetinkaya, who is a close friend of Arteta. This relationship could give Arsenal an edge over competitors like Manchester United in securing the striker’s signature, with the deal expected to cost around €75 million (£63 million).
Gyokeres’ Stunning Form in Portugal
The Swedish striker has been in sensational form for Sporting CP this season, scoring 40 goals and providing 10 assists across all competitions. His standout performances have even led former Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart to claim that Gyokeres is better than last season’s Premier League top scorer.
Here’s a breakdown of Gyokeres’ stats this season:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liga Portugal | 25 | 28 | 6 |
| Champions League | 8 | 6 | 0 |
| Taca de Portugal | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Allianz Cup | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| Supertaca | 1 | 0 | 2 |
While replicating these numbers in the Premier League would be challenging, Gyokeres’ natural goal-scoring ability makes him an attractive option for Arsenal as they aim to close the gap on Liverpool next season. At £63 million, he represents fair value, and Arteta’s connection with his agent could prove decisive in securing the deal.
Gyokeres’ potential arrival could be the missing piece in Arsenal’s pursuit of silverware, providing the clinical edge needed to compete at the highest level.
