The arrival of Viktor Gyokeres would put Arsenal on level terms with Liverpool and Manchester City in the Premier League title race, according to Alan Pardew who has given his backing to the move.
Arsenal have significantly stepped up their transfer activity this week, securing the signing of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, while midfielder Martin Zubimendi has finally been unveiled. The Gunners aren’t expected to stop there, with links to Sporting CP striker Gyokeres and Chelsea ‘s Noni Madueke continuing to gather pace.
The North London club had long been linked with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, but it now appears their full attention has turned to Gyokeres, with negotiations reportedly progressing quickly and personal terms agreed. Should a deal worth up to £69m be completed, Pardew believes the Sweden international would elevate Arsenal to the level required to seriously challenge their rivals for major honours.
Mikel Arteta’s side have come agonisingly close to silverware in recent seasons but have struggled to get over the line. One key ingredient they’ve been missing is a clinical, ruthless, and a physical goalscorer, all qualities Gyokeres would undoubtedly bring.
“The one thing I like about Gyokeres, apart from the fact he’s a natural goalscorer, which we all know Arsenal are desperate for, is that his fitness record is good,” Pardew told talkSPORT. “He’s a robust character.
“I watched him play a lot of times for Coventry. He’s a strong, physical specimen. He’s good [with the ball] into feet, he’s good in the air. That bodes well because it would still be a problem for Arsenal when he’s not fit.
“With the quality that Arsenal have got in terms of creating, he’s going to get chance, after chance, after chance. You’ve only got to look at his record to suggest that it doesn’t matter what level he’s at, if he gets chances, he’s going to take them.
“If they can get that over the line, it would put them on a level playing field with Liverpool and Manchester City.”
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