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Arsenal Reportedly Targeting Viktor Gyokeres to Solve Striker Shortage

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, January 3rd 2026 at 9:16 GMT by The Mirror

Arsenal Eye Viktor Gyokeres: A Potential Solution to Their Striker Shortage?

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly targeting Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres as a potential solution to the club’s ongoing need for more consistent goalscoring, according to reports in The Mirror. The article details how the Gunners are actively scouting the Swedish international and view him as a promising option to bolster their attacking options ahead of next season.

For much of last season, Arsenal's reliance on Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard for goals became increasingly apparent. While both players contributed significantly, the lack of a consistent, prolific striker – following the departure of Alexandre Lacazette and with Eddie Nketiah’s performance proving inconsistent – left them vulnerable in crucial moments. The article highlights that despite their impressive title challenge last term, Arsenal ultimately fell short due to this dependence on other attacking players and a perceived weakness in finishing chances. They needed more than just individual brilliance; they needed a reliable goalscorer leading the line.

Who is Viktor Gyokeres?

Gyokeres, 26, has enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough season with Sporting CP after moving from Blackburn Rovers last summer. He's quickly become a fan favourite in Lisbon and has consistently demonstrated his ability to find the back of the net. The article emphasizes that he’s not just about goals; he possesses a strong physical presence, good hold-up play, and an intelligent understanding of movement off the ball – qualities Arteta values highly in a forward player.

This season (2023/24), Gyokeres has been exceptional, scoring 24 goals in all competitions for Sporting CP. This impressive form has not gone unnoticed by clubs across Europe’s top leagues, and Arsenal are now joining the list of interested parties. The Mirror article mentions that other Premier League teams, including Manchester United, have also shown interest, suggesting a potential bidding war could ensue.

Arteta's Requirements & Gyokeres' Fit

The piece explains Arteta's specific requirements for a new striker. He’s looking for someone who can press effectively from the front, link up well with midfield partners, and possess the clinical finishing ability to convert chances. Gyokeres appears to tick many of these boxes. His work rate aligns with Arteta's tactical demands – he presses defenders relentlessly and contributes defensively. His hold-up play would also benefit Arsenal’s build-up in attacking areas, allowing midfielders to join the attack or create space for wingers.

The article references previous attempts by Arsenal to sign a striker, highlighting the difficulty of securing top-tier forwards given their high price tags and competition from other clubs. They attempted to recruit players like Cody Gakpo (who ultimately joined Liverpool) demonstrating their desire to address this issue. Gyokeres represents a potentially more attainable option, although his recent form will inevitably drive up his valuation.

The Financial Challenge & Sporting's Position

While Arsenal possesses the financial resources to pursue Gyokeres, securing him won’t be straightforward. Sporting CP are known for being shrewd negotiators and have a history of selling players for significant profits. The article suggests that Sporting will likely demand a fee in excess of £40 million – a substantial sum but potentially within Arsenal's budget given the player's quality and potential resale value.

Furthermore, the article notes that Gyokeres only recently signed a new contract with Sporting CP, which further strengthens their negotiating position. They are under no pressure to sell and will likely be looking for the highest possible offer. The linked article from Record (Portugal), mentioned briefly in the Mirror piece, underscores this point, stating that Sporting are prepared to fight to keep Gyokeres unless they receive an “unreasonable” bid.

Beyond Gyokeres: Arsenal's Striker Search

The Mirror article also acknowledges that Arsenal’s search for a striker is likely broader than just Gyokeres. They continue to explore other options and haven’t completely ruled out bringing in multiple forwards. However, Gyokeres represents an immediate and compelling solution to their current needs. The signing of a player like him could significantly improve Arsenal's chances of challenging for the Premier League title next season.

Conclusion:

Arsenal’s reported interest in Viktor Gyokeres signifies a renewed focus on strengthening their attacking options. While securing his signature will be a challenge, given Sporting CP's stance and competition from other clubs, Gyokeres represents a potentially ideal fit for Arteta's tactical system and could be the missing piece in Arsenal's quest for silverware. The coming weeks are likely to see increased scrutiny on the situation as Arsenal formally initiate discussions with Sporting CP, setting the stage for what could be one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer sagas.

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