Arsenal’s transfer focus throughout August has been on acquiring a new midfielder before the window closes. As the deadline approaches, their priority has shifted.
Mikel Merino is expected to join Mikel Arteta’s squad for approximately £31.5 million, including bonuses. The Real Sociedad player has been a target for Arsenal for a while and is anticipated to sign a four-year contract.
Merino’s addition was expected to be the final signing in a well-planned transfer window for Arsenal, with only departures anticipated in the final week. However, Gabriel Jesus’ injury has altered the situation, and the team’s attacking options are now under review.
“We are a bit light,” Arteta remarked following the win over Aston Villa on Saturday. “If we can make a move, we will, but for now, we are very pleased with our current players; they are exceptional.”
If Eddie Nketiah departs before the transfer window closes, Arsenal will be even more eager to secure another forward. Viktor Gyokeres is a fitting candidate.
The Sweden international has been linked with a move to Arsenal for the past 18 months after an impressive 43 goals in 50 appearances for Sporting CP last season. His signature was highly sought after at the start of the current window, but he remains in Portugal. Sporting CP has started their title defense strong, winning all three of their opening games and scoring 14 goals while conceding only twice.
Gyokeres scored his first goal of the season in a 3-1 victory over Rio Ave, followed by a brace against Nacional and a hat-trick in a 5-0 win over Farense last Friday.
“I don’t know what will happen,” he recently told Portuguese media. “It doesn’t solely depend on me; we’ll see, but I feel good here.
“I’m not stressed about making any moves. In football, during the transfer window, things can change quickly. But I enjoy being here and feel no pressure.”
Arsenal are in need of a prolific goalscorer, and Gyokeres fits that need. If they pursue a new attacker, the Sporting CP star has proven he’s not just a one-season wonder.
