Arsenal face Viktor Gyokeres transfer delay as Rodrygo opportunity arises

There is an expectation that Arsenal will sign a striker during this summer transfer window and that the leading figure, Viktor Gyokeres, will, for many, be that player. But as has been learned by now, nothing is guaranteed in the market.

The question that Arsenal will be asking before any investment is made is whether the player is worth the outlay. Arsenal were keen to add a striker in 2024 but didn’t pursue a move for Benjamin Sesko at the time with a number of factors affecting the deal such as financial restrictions at a time before Eddie Nketiah was sold to Crystal Palace later in the window for £30million including add-ons.

The Gunners are in a much better financial position to spend in 2025, however the striker market is again not without its risks. Arsenal would prefer to land a player, as they did with Declan Rice, who can offer guarantees over quality, output and availability.

Even the unicorn-like profile of Alexander Isak, who might cover the quality and output even with the £120million-plus price tag many assume Newcastle would ask for, comes with risks. The Swede’s injury record is not clean and he could well come but then be missing frequently due to fitness issues.

Both Gyokeres and Sesko have their own drawbacks and doubts, which make them far from sure bets regarding the output the club is looking for. Therefore, the club might return to an old target for a short-term solution before then looking later down the line for the guarantee they seek.

Ollie Watkins was bid for in January, and perhaps the £40million plus add-ons offer Arsenal submitted then, football.london understands, will be accepted six months later. After another solid season for Aston Villa, Watkins would add quality and depth to the existing presence of Kai Havertz.

Then the club may opt to invest significantly in another forward position, such as left-wing. There are reports that Real Madrid’s Rodrygo could present a market opportunity as Los Blancos pursue Nico Williams and the Brazilian seeks greater assurances.

One of Europe’s most highly regarded wide players, who has been operating out of position on the right in Madrid, could find his home on the left in North London. He would almost certainly cost more than any other player the Gunners are considering this summer, and therefore the wide position might require the biggest outlay to secure the forward quality the club desires.