Arsenal have £59m offer "turned down" for 26-year-old star amid Man Utd interest - report
Arsenal are poised to sign a new striker during the summer transfer window.
The Gunners had an underwhelming Premier League campaign with only 74 points. They finished 10 points behind eventual champions Liverpool after registering 14 draws.
The club lacked firepower in the final third amid injuries and inconsistent form. A marquee striker must be signed, and Correio da Manha (page 12) provide a surprise update today.
The Portuguese publication claim that Sporting CP have ‘turned down’ a £59 million offer from Arsenal for Gyokeres, and are demanding a minimum of £67m to sanction his sale.
They further add that Manchester United have not given up on the Swede. They could make an approach of their own, provided they can recoup funds from multiple player exits.
Arsenal’s speculated offer could be agent-driven
The Gunners have a strong interest in Gyokeres with sporting director Andrea Berta being a firm admirer. The 26-year-old is one of the top candidates being considered for the striker’s role.
However, it appears the club are prioritising a deal for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko instead.
Both Florian Plettenberg and Fabrizio Romano have confirmed that Arsenal have started ‘concrete’ discussions to purchase the 22-year-old marksman from the Bundesliga outfit.
Sesko netted only 21 goals for Leipzig last term compared to Gyokeres’ 54 goals for Sporting CP.
However, the quality of football in Germany is much higher than in Portugal. Arsenal may feel Sesko could have a better success rate. He is almost five years younger than Gyokeres.
Sesko has time to adapt and evolve into an elite striker at the club. Gyokeres, on the other hand, may need to provide immediate results as he is well into the prime of his career.
Correio da Manha claim that Arsenal have made an offer for Gyokeres, but there has been no update elsewhere. It could be agent-driven to persuade other clubs to enter the race.
The Gunners could go back for Gyokeres if they can’t get a deal for Sesko over the line.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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