Arsenal now "freeze" move to sign €80m star, have turned focus to two players - report

Arsenal are likely to bolster their attack with multiple signings this summer.

A marquee striker is the main priority for the Gunners, but a versatile winger could be signed too.

The club have been heavily linked with Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres over the past few days, but Record claim that they have decided to ‘freeze’ their pursuit of the striker.

Arsenal recently failed with an opening bid worth €55 million plus €10m in add-ons for the Swede.

Instead of presenting a renewed offer, the Gunners have decided to pursue other targets.

The London giants are reportedly ‘fed up’ with Sporting CP’s current asking price of €80m.

As a result, Gyokeres is no longer their first choice. The hierarchy have turned their focus to signing either RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko or Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins this summer.

Arsenal unlikely to pay over the odds for Gyokeres

The 27-year-old had a sensational 2024/25 season with the Primeira Liga champions. He registered a stunning tally of 54 goals and 13 assists from just 52 appearances.

Gyokeres is determined to pursue a bigger challenge away from the Portuguese top flight. He recently gave the green light to join Arsenal after turning down Manchester United.

However, Arsenal are obviously not keen on paying over the odds for him. Gyokeres had a stupendous season, but he will face a sterner challenge in the Premier League.

The Swede won’t have the luxury of regular counter-attacks. Arsenal generally come up against low-block defensive teams. Gyokeres’ decision-making has to be quicker too.

Hence, there is an element of risk associated with the Swede, who is not the best in the air.

It appears the €80m price tag has deterred the Gunners from signing him. Sesko could cost a similar figure or more, but he is five years younger and has a superior aerial presence.

The Slovenian has time on his hands to adapt, unlike Gyokeres, who may need to provide immediate results as he is in the prime phase of his playing career.

Watkins could be the fallback option if Sesko does not join. The 29-year-old has a proven Premier League record and could be signed for an affordable fee amid Aston Villa’s financial concerns.

The Midlands outfit missed out on Champions League qualification last season, and this could contribute to a high-profile exit this summer to avoid breaching the Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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