Arsenal appear to be shifting their focus in the transfer market as they look to bolster Mikel Arteta’s squad ahead of what is expected to be a crucial summer.
With the team likely to finish as Premier League runners-up for a third consecutive season, the club is aware that significant improvements are needed—particularly in the attacking department.
Although Arsenal’s defense has been solid, conceding just two goals more than Liverpool, it is the attacking disparity that highlights a key shortcoming.
The Gunners have scored 15 fewer goals than the Merseyside club.
Injuries have played a role in this, but the performances of Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz have also raised concerns.
To close the gap, Arsenal is prioritizing reinforcements in the forward line.
Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak has been high on Arteta’s wishlist, but a deal for the Swedish striker now looks unlikely.
Newcastle are reportedly demanding more than £130 million, with some reports stating a starting price of £150 million just to begin negotiations.
Additionally, Isak is expected to remain at St. James’ Park if Newcastle qualify for the Champions League.
The Magpies currently sit in fifth place, making that scenario a strong possibility.
As such, Arsenal are now turning their attention toward Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.
The Swedish striker has enjoyed a phenomenal run in Portugal, scoring 85 goals and assisting 26 times in just 92 appearances.
While it remains to be seen if he can replicate this form in the Premier League, Arsenal are willing to take the gamble.
Gyokeres has a release clause set at €100 million, but reports indicate that a deal could be struck for significantly less—possibly between €60m and €70m—with suggestions that a verbal agreement might already be in place.
Arsenal have reportedly begun talks with the player’s representatives, and Gyokeres is believed to prefer a move to the Emirates over a reunion with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.
In addition to targeting a new striker, Arsenal are also pursuing winger Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao.
Sporting director Andrea Berta has reportedly opened discussions with the player’s camp.
Arsenal previously tried to sign the Spanish international last summer, but he opted to stay in Bilbao.
Now, the Gunners are in a stronger position and are ready to activate his €58 million release clause, despite competition from Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
Arsenal also remain optimistic about landing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
While there are murmurs of Real Madrid’s interest, Arsenal are prepared to activate his €60 million release clause to finalize the transfer.
If successful, these three signings—Gyokeres (€60m), Williams (€58m), and Zubimendi (€60m)—would represent a combined investment of €178 million by the Gunners.
Furthermore, Arsenal scouts are monitoring Yeremay Hernandez, a 22-year-old winger from Deportivo La Coruna.
Hernandez, formerly of Real Madrid’s youth setup, has had an impressive season in LaLiga 2, netting 11 goals and registering 4 assists.
Despite playing in Spain’s second tier, Deportivo are demanding a fee of £30 million for their star player.
