Arsenal have decided against signing Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres before the transfer deadline, according to Portuguese outlet Record (page 4).
The Gunners have been regularly linked with the Sweden international over the past few months, but the club have yet to make an approach for him.
Sporting are only willing to listen to offers of €100 million (£84.3m) for Gyokeres. This is the release clause in the striker’s contract.
Arsenal ‘have already made it known’ that ‘they are not willing to pay’ such a high figure in the current transfer window. Chelsea have also pulled out of the race.
Gyokeres is fully committed to the reigning Portuguese champions and does not plan to force an exit before the transfer window closes on Friday evening.
Arsenal unlikely to sign new striker before deadline
The Gunners were tipped to land a marquee centre-forward at the beginning of the summer, but the club have shown no intention of signing one.
With just two more days left in the transfer window, it appears the club’s hierarchy has decided against pursuing a new marksman.
Gyokeres would be a fantastic acquisition due to his goalscoring exploits and creativity, but Arsenal are reluctant to spend big on him.
Despite his success in Portugal, the Gunners are probably wary that he could struggle to replicate his form in the Premier League.
Darwin Nunez is a firm example. The Uruguayan netted 26 league goals in his final season at Benfica before making the move to Liverpool.
The 25-year-old has scored just 20 goals in 66 league outings for the Reds, and he is not a guaranteed starter under manager Arne Slot.
Arsenal are eyeing a new versatile winger rather than a striker. Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams is the top target, but he is reluctant to leave.
The club could make a Leandro Trossard-like purchase before the transfer window closes. The budget will reportedly be far lower for the player.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
