Time is not on their side.
With Gabriel Jesus sidelined and Kai Havertz misfiring, Arsenal are on the hunt. Again. And this time, the target is Viktor Gyökeres—Europe’s hottest striker.
The 26-year-old Swede has torn through defences at Sporting CP this season. Forty-two goals. Eleven assists. In just 42 games. A storm wrapped in a football shirt.
David Ornstein reports via The Atheletic, that Arsenal are now developing “strong interest” in the 6ft 2in forward. His price? £62 million. His profile? Unmissable.
The Gunners have danced around this decision for seasons—trusting a half-fit Jesus, experimenting with Havertz, and now, absurdly, deploying Mikel Merino as a false 9. It’s cost them ground in the title race. It’s cost them time.
Now, urgency.
Mikel Arteta rates Alexander Isak. But Newcastle won’t budge without a ridiculous fee. Benjamin Šeško? Tempted by Leipzig, yes, but Arsenal know better than to wait.
Enter Gyökeres. Physically Premier League-ready. Technically secure. Deadly in front of goal. He holds up play, links seamlessly, presses like he’s possessed. He’s what Arsenal never replaced after Giroud—only sharper, faster, and meaner.
Sporting know what they’ve got. But Arsenal know what they need. And with new sporting director Andrea Berta pushing behind the scenes—having admired Gyökeres for years—the pieces are falling into place.
Give him the No. 9. Give him the platform. He won’t flinch.
And if Arsenal are serious about next season, they won’t either.