Arsenal can finally sign the striker they’ve always wanted and derail Man Utd transfer plan

Arsenal have the chance to finally sign the striker that they’ve always wanted, while also derailing Manchester United’s season before it’s even started. The two Premier League giants are both in the market for a new striker this summer, with Viktor Gyokeres widely regarded as the most attractive option.

The Sporting CP striker, who sees his contract at the Jose Alvalade Stadium expire in June 2028, featured 33 times in the Primeira Liga this season, scoring 39 goals and providing eight assists. Playing a key role in Rui Borges’ team, he fired the Lions to their second successive title.

The Sweden international also helped Sporting win the domestic double, netting a stoppage-time equaliser in a 3-1 win over Benfica in the Taça de Portugal final. Gyokeres has certainly caught the eye this term, attracting interest from some top European clubs.

football.london understands that Arsenal are long admirers of the Swede, with interest dating back to his spell at Coventry City in the Championship. Andrea Berta is thought to be a ‘big fan’ of Gyokeres, but, as it stands, an official offer hasn’t been made.

By not submitting a bid, it seemed as if the Gunners rolled out the red carpet for United to come in and wrap up a deal. But Ruben Amorim’s side still faces tough competition in the race for Gyokeres’ signature.

According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Juventus want to sign the Sporting talisman. The report claims that the Italian giants are hoping to take advantage of the uncertainty in the Premier League.

It’s said that Juventus have held talks with Gyokeres’ entourage and they’re prepared to offer him a contract worth £11m-a-year. The Serie A outfit will also reportedly submit an official bid worth more than £60m ‘in the next few days’.

Corriere dello Sport adds that any move from Juventus will depend on whether Dusan Vlahovic leaves this summer. The 25-year-old striker faces an uncertain future in Turin, having recently entered the final year of his contract.

Juventus could very well blow Arsenal and United out of the water before the end of the month, if reports from Italy are to be believed. If the Old Lady manages to sign Gyokeres, the Gunners could quickly turn their attention to Vlahovic and leave United empty-handed.

Interestingly, Arsenal tried to sign the Serbian from Fiorentina in January 2022, but Juventus hijacked the deal and wrapped up a £66.4m (€80m) transfer. Vlahovic was quizzed on the north Londoners’ interest back in June 2022.

Speaking to The Telegraph, he said: “Maybe my agent knows [about Arsenal’s offer] – but I never talked to anyone about it. I just had one club in my mind, because Juventus is Juventus.

“There’s nothing else to say. And now I feel honoured to be given this jersey. It’s incredible, every time I put it on, I definitely identify with their DNA.

“The Juventus personality coincides with my personality. When you come here you never give up, you fight all the time, you make the sacrifices. This was definitely what I was looking for.”

Vlahovic featured 29 times in the Serie A this season, scoring 10 goals and providing four assists. He enjoyed a bright start to the campaign before picking up couple of minor muscle injuries.

The £38m-rated striker struggled to force himself back into Thiago Motta’s starting lineup once and for all upon his return in the new year. But, he made the most of minutes he was given, helping Juventus finish fourth and qualify for the Champions League.

Vlahovic may not be the most attractive striker on the market this summer, but he’d be a good stopgap in the Arsenal frontline until a marquee option becomes available. With just 12 months left on his contract, the former Gunners target would be reasonably priced.

All while throwing a spanner in the works at Old Trafford…