Transfer talks: Arsenal close in on missing piece, Victor Gyokeres

According to reliable journalists David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano, Sporting CP’s Swedish striker Victor Gyokeres is Arsenal’s chosen target ahead of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. The player has agreed to personal terms with the Gunners, and the clubs now need to agree on a transfer fee.

According to reports from Portugal, the Portuguese club is looking for €70 million as a guaranteed fee plus add-ons, whereas Arsenal are prepared to offer only €65 million plus add-ons. It’s widely reported that they will find an amicable solution. Gyokeres, 27, is at the peak of his career and could be Arsenal’s missing piece.

As we all know, Arteta’s team has lacked a clinical striker, as Kai Havertz isn’t prolific and Jesus can’t stay injury-free. Gyokeres scored 54 goals in 52 games across all competitions in the just-finished season. He already has experience playing in England, having been a Coventry player who scored many goals in the Championship.

He moved to Sporting CP from Coventry in 2023 and has scored 97 goals in 102 games across all competitions for the Portuguese side. That’s an impressive nearly-a-goal-per-game ratio. Now he needs to prove himself in the top tier in England, but he is returning to England after gaining valuable experience playing in Portugal, the Champions League and at International level as well.

Arsenal are also looking to sign another winger and have agreed personal terms with Chelsea’s Noni Madueke. This is an important season for Arteta’s project and are active in the transfer market. They have had many nearly seasons, and the fans expect this team to finally win some trophies. Gyokeres’ signing could prove vital for that ambition.

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said on Monday that Croatia captain Luka Modric will join the Italian club from Real Madrid after the Club World Cup.

Modric, who turns 40 in September, joined Madrid from Tottenham in 2012 and has been linked with a move to Italy since early June, after announcing he would leave the Spanish giants at the end of his contract.

“He’ll arrive in August,” Allegri said during his first press conference on his return as Milan boss. “He’s an extraordinary and important player, it would be useless to talk more about him.”