Arsenal Viktor Gyokeres green light leaves Mikel Arteta with Alexander Isak transfer dilemma

Arsenal have been handed a boost in their pursuit for Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres after Barcelona appeared to pull out of the race. Gyokeres has emerged as one of the most sought-after strikers in world football due to his performances in Portugal over the last 18 months.

Gyokeres joined Sporting from Coventry for £16.7million in July 2023 and his price tag has at least quadrupled since. Having scored 43 goals in 50 appearances during his first season at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, Gyokeres has continued that form into this campaign, netting 18 times in 23 matches so far.

It's no surprise that teams are interested in signing the 26-year-old scoring sensation, with Arsenal among those reported to be chasing his signature. The Gunners were linked with a blockbuster move for Gyokeres over the summer as the club tried to add a new No.9, but they decided against it.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are another side said to be keen on Gyokeres' services but president Deco has now played down those rumours, admitting that he isn't a "priority' for them right now.

Speaking to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Deco said: "He is a good player, he has been scoring goals for a long time in Portugal. We know him like others but he is not a priority at the moment and we [are not] looking for a No.9 to replace Robert [Lewandowski] because we want him to remain happy, scoring goals and at least stay for another season. We have won things and he is happy to be here. We are not going to talk about any player now."

That could leave Arsenal - and Manchester United - with a more open run to securing his signature. For Mikel Arteta, it does feel like he and the Gunners board might have to decide between Gyokeres and Alexander Isak at this rate. Both strikers could be available next summer and Arsenal's decision could be a tight one.

Isak has Premier League experience under his belt and scored 21 times in the top flight for Newcastle last season. That would appear to be the obvious option, but he is expected to cost a considerable amount more than Gyokeres, who is set to be available for a discounted £63m at the end of the season.

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