Arsenal Snub Viktor Gyokeres. Here’s why

Arsenal have reportedly paused their pursuit of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, despite the Swede rejecting a potential switch to Manchester United in favor of a possible move to North London.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is eager to bolster his attacking options this summer. While Gyokeres had emerged as a leading candidate following his impressive goal tally in Portugal, Arsenal are now said to be reconsidering their options due to the financial demands involved.

According to Portuguese outlet *lRecord, Sporting turned down an initial €55 million bid, which could have risen to €70 million with add-ons. However, the club remains firm on the player’s €100 million (£85 million) release clause. Sporting president Frederico Varandas has dismissed any suggestion of negotiating below that figure, publicly criticizing the conduct of the striker’s representatives.

This impasse has reportedly prompted Arsenal to revisit a previous target: Ollie Watkins. The Aston Villa striker, who admitted in 2020 that playing for Arsenal would fulfill a childhood dream, was previously linked with a move to the Emirates during the January window. At the time, Villa opted to sell Colombian forward Jhon Durán to Al-Nassr instead.

Watkins, who enjoyed another prolific season for Villa, remains under contract, but Arsenal could test the Midlands club’s resolve once again as they seek a more financially viable solution up front.

Gyokeres, 27, had been on Arsenal’s radar after scoring nearly 100 goals in just over 100 games for Sporting since his 2023 arrival. His preference for Champions League football had reportedly ruled Manchester United out of the race, putting Arsenal in pole position—until the transfer fee became a sticking point.

As the Gunners shift focus back to the Premier League, it remains to be seen whether Villa would entertain talks for Watkins, or if Arsenal will look elsewhere to reinforce their frontline.