Arsenal have now submitted "official offer" to sign 26yo striker, personal terms finalised - report

Arsenal are preparing for a busy summer transfer window.

The Gunners have underperformed in the Premier League this term, and they are a staggering 15 points behind champions Liverpool with just three games to play.

The lack of a marquee striker has been a big talking point over the past 18 months, and the hierarchy are expected to address the concern at the end of the season.

Correio da Manha today (page 49) claim that the Gunners have submitted an ‘official offer’ worth €75 million (£63.4m) to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres after agreeing terms with him.

Sporting president Frederico Varandas reportedly sees the proposal as a first offer and believes he could secure a much higher package for the 26-year-old’s departure.

Meanwhile, the Gunners are wary of the interest from London rivals Chelsea. They believe the Blues could pay close to the striker’s €100m (£84.6m) release clause to sign him.

Arsenal cannot afford to lose Gyokeres to Chelsea

Gyokeres has developed into one of the most fearsome strikers in world football. He netted 42 goals and provided 15 assists from 50 games for Sporting CP last term.

The Swede has fared much better this campaign. He has accumulated 52 goals and 12 assists from just 49 appearances for the reigning Portuguese champions.

The striker has his sights on pursuing a bigger challenge in the prime of his career. Gyokeres could be England-bound, and Arsenal appear in pole position.

Gyokeres would provide an instant upgrade on Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. He has a brilliant shot-to-goal conversion rate of 29 percent in the Primeira Liga.

He has also completed almost two dribbles per game, winning 5.4 duels. Gyokeres is a modern striker and has the knack for creating chances for his teammates.

The striker would be perfect for manager Mikel Arteta’s tactical system, but the Gunners can’t take things for granted and must find a quick solution with Sporting CP.

Chelsea could become serious candidates to sign Gyokeres if they qualify for the Champions League with a top-five Premier League finish in the current campaign.

That may not be decided until May 25. The Blues may want a marquee striker in place in early June in preparation for the Club World Cup in the United States.

Arsenal have an agreement with the striker, but they need to finalise a suitable deal with Sporting CP so that they can sign him as soon as the transfer window reopens (June 1).

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

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