Arsenal believe next week could be pivotal in their prolonged search for a new striker, with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres threatening to go on strike to force a move to the Emirates. The Swedish forward was due to report for pre-season training on Monday but has been granted a four-day extension until Friday as tensions escalate between his camp and Sporting president Frederico Varandas.
Gyokeres and his agent Hasan Cetinkaya accuse Varandas of reneging on a gentleman’s agreement that would allow the 27-year-old to leave for £60 million. Sporting, however, insist they will not sell below fair market value, and the situation is reaching a head. Gyokeres, currently in Sweden, plans face-to-face talks with Varandas upon his return to Portugal and feels there is no way back, given his desire to join Arsenal.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has been actively pushing for the former Coventry City striker, while manager Mikel Arteta has courted RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko for 18 months. If Sporting are forced to lower their demands, the Gunners could use that leverage to strengthen their hand for either target. Arsenal sources deny any formal offers have been made, though Berta has held initial discussions with both clubs.
Gyokeres has been training in Mykonos with his personal trainer, while Sesko has also been holidaying on the same Greek island. Remarkably, both forwards have shared the same mobile barber over the past ten days. Gyokeres has already indicated to Manchester United that he prefers a switch to the Emirates, despite his respect for former boss Ruben Amorim.
While a centre-forward remains the top priority, Arsenal are also seeking to bolster their wide and attacking midfield options, with interest in Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, and Rodrygo. Personal terms are already in place with Madueke following several rounds of talks, and Arsenal are expected to approach Chelsea formally in the coming days to discuss a potential transfer.
