Arsenal is looking to sell a forward for £40m to raise funds for the purchase of a prolific striker with 36 goals…

Arsenal is looking to sell a forward for £40m to finance the signing of a lethal striker who has netted 36 goals.

According to multiple reports, Arsenal is expected to demand a minimum of £40m for the sale of Eddie Nketiah this summer. It has been reported that six clubs have expressed interest in the striker.

The funds generated from Nketiah’s sale will reportedly be used to pursue a top-tier center-forward from Europe.

While Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal team has shown few weaknesses, one area of concern is the absence of a consistent goal-scoring striker who can deliver 20 goals per season. This is particularly important when facing formidable opponents like Manchester City.

Throughout the season, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Eddie Nketiah have all taken turns leading the line for Arsenal. However, their combined tally of 16 league goals falls short compared to individual performances by players such as Erling Haaland, Ollie Watkins, Dominic Solanke, and Alexander Isak.

It is anticipated that the Emirates will secure the signing of a high-quality striker this summer. In order to finance the desired caliber of player that Arteta desires, a sale will be necessary.

According to exclusive information obtained by TEAMtalk on March 18, Arsenal has informed Nketiah and his representatives that he is free to seek a new club.

According to a recent update from HITC, the Gunners will require potential buying clubs to pay a minimum of £40m to acquire the 24-year-old.

The rationale behind this valuation is explained by the fact that Arsenal sold fellow academy graduate Folarin Balogun to Monaco for a package worth approximately £34m last summer.

Nketiah is regarded in a similar manner to Balogun, and considering his significantly greater experience in the Premier League, the Gunners will demand a slightly higher fee.

There is already significant interest in acquiring Nketiah. Various outlets have mentioned West Ham, Wolves, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Brentford, and Leicester City as potential suitors.

The impact of Arsenal’s hefty £40m price tag on each team’s level of interest remains uncertain.

Could Nketiah be replaced by Gyokeres?

However, what is evident is that Arsenal is willing to part ways with Nketiah. As a homegrown player, the proceeds from his sale will result in pure profit for the club.

This will enable Arsenal to finance a major move for a new striker. According to reports from Portugal, their target is Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.

Since his €24m transfer (including add-ons) from Coventry last year, the Swedish international has been a revelation.

Gyokeres has impressively scored 36 goals and provided 16 assists in just 44 matches in Lisbon. His outstanding performances have positioned Ruben Amorim’s team on track for a potential league and cup double.

The 25-year-old’s contract with Sporting includes a substantial release clause valued at €100m/£86m. Naturally, Sporting will not entertain any offers below the full release fee for their star striker.

Despite Sporting’s firm stance, Arsenal chief Edu seems undeterred. According to the Portuguese report, the Gunners are “extremely impressed” with Gyokeres and are now considered the frontrunners to secure his signature this summer.