Arsenal have received a significant boost in their pursuit of a top striker this summer, with developments suggesting that deals for Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, and Hugo Ekitike could be more attainable than previously thought. The North London club has long been seeking a prolific forward, and recent comments from Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas indicate that Gyokeres may be available for a reduced fee.
Varandas stated that Sporting will not demand the full release clause for Gyokeres, saying: 'We will not demand the full amount of the clause; we will be reasonable regarding the amount requested for Viktor. Today, there is a strong likelihood that he will leave.' Initially, Gyokeres was expected to cost at least £85 million, but the president's remarks suggest a lower price could be negotiated. The Swedish striker scored 54 goals in all competitions last season, including six in the Champions League.
Meanwhile, RB Leipzig have reportedly lowered their asking price for Benjamin Sesko, Arsenal's preferred target. The 22-year-old Slovenian, who scored 21 goals last season, was previously valued between £68 million and £85 million, but reports now indicate a fee of £59.7 million could be sufficient. Sesko is considered a better long-term option than Gyokeres due to his age and the perceived higher quality of the Bundesliga.
Arsenal have also joined the race for Hugo Ekitike, the 23-year-old French striker who scored 22 goals for Eintracht Frankfurt last season. Frankfurt are reportedly close to signing Union SG striker Franjo Ivanovic for around £25.6 million as a replacement, which could facilitate Ekitike's departure. However, Frankfurt are holding out for a hefty £85 million fee, and Liverpool are also interested, making this the most complicated of the three potential deals.
