Arsenal Issues Striker Transfer Ultimatum as Fresh Gyokeres Offer Takes Shape

Arsenal are said to be preparing a fresh bid for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyökeres as manager Mikel Arteta looks to complete his transfer business ahead of the upcoming preseason campaign.

The North London club has been linked with the Swedish striker for several months, though securing his signature presents significant challenges. While Sporting president Frederico Varandas publicly stated the club wouldn't be pressured into accepting €70 million (£59.7 million, $81.5 million) for their key player, Arsenal allegedly submitted an initial proposal valued at €55 million (£46.9 million, $64.1 million).

This preliminary approach was firmly rejected, reportedly leaving Gyökeres "frustrated" with Sporting's hefty price tag. Arsenal are now believed to be "readying" another offer that is said to be "nearer" to the €80 million (£68.3 million, $93.2 million) figure demanded by the Portuguese club, according to A BOLA.

Should negotiations continue to stall, there are suggestions that Gyökeres might boycott Sporting's preseason training sessions to push through a transfer. Mikel Arteta is eager to secure his target signing before Arsenal's preseason preparations begin.

The London-based team departs for their Asian Tour on July 19, and the Daily Mail reports this date serves as Arsenal's preferred deadline for completing a striker signing. Whether that forward will be Gyökeres is yet to be determined.

Manchester United have been monitoring the 27-year-old as intensively as Arsenal, while Juventus and Atlético Madrid have also shown interest. Unconfirmed reports even hint that Liverpool might attempt a last-minute intervention.

Apart from Gyökeres, Arsenal have also been mentioned as serious contenders for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Šeško. The German club is reportedly seeking an even higher fee than Sporting, with some sources suggesting Šeško's price tag could reach £92.5 million ($124.8 million).