Arsenal progressing with €178m triple signing after decision nears on dream striker…

Arsenal is moving forward with a €178 million triple signing as a decision approaches regarding their ideal striker.

Arsenal is in the process of finalizing a €178 million triple signing as they approach a decision on their preferred striker.

Arsenal is making strides towards a €178 million triple signing, as they approach a decision regarding their ideal striker.

The club is gradually moving away from the pursuit of Mikel Arteta’s preferred striker, with reports suggesting that an even more formidable option is being considered as part of this significant investment.

This summer promises to be pivotal for Arsenal, as they aim to finalize the components needed to complete Arteta’s vision.

The Gunners are on track to finish as runners-up in the Premier League for the third consecutive season, trailing behind dominant leaders Liverpool, who have allowed just two more goals than Arsenal.

The key difference lies in their attacking prowess.

Arsenal has netted 15 goals fewer than Liverpool this season.

While injuries have played a role, it is clear that enhancements are necessary for players like Gabriel Martinelli and the striking duo of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz to elevate the team’s performance.

Alexander Isak has long been regarded as Arsenal’s top target for the striker position.

However, Newcastle has set a hefty price tag for the Swedish forward, reportedly valuing him at over £130 million, with some estimates reaching £150 million just to initiate negotiations.

Additionally, it is anticipated that Isak may prefer to stay with Newcastle if they secure a Champions League spot, which currently looks achievable as they sit in fifth place.

Recognizing that Isak may not be a feasible option, Arsenal is shifting its focus towards signing Viktor Gyokeres instead.

The 26-year-old has made a significant impact in Portugal during his time with Sporting CP, scoring 85 goals and providing 26 assists in just 92 appearances.

It remains to be seen if he can replicate that level of performance in the more competitive environment of the Premier League, but Arsenal is prepared to take that risk.

According to The Guardian, Arsenal is actively seeking a striker and has pinpointed Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres as a more attainable target compared to his Swedish teammate Alexander Isak.

Gyokeres has a release clause set at €100 million; however, a ‘verbal agreement’ between him, his representatives, and Sporting’s management could allow the striker to depart for a significantly lower fee.

Estimates suggest a transfer could occur for between €65 million and €70 million, with TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Fraser Fletcher, indicating that a sum of just €60 million might suffice to finalize the deal.

Additionally, it has been reported that discussions have already occurred between Arsenal officials and Gyokeres’ representatives.

Furthermore, the Portuguese publication A Bola has recently stated that Gyokeres is more inclined to join Arsenal rather than reunite with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.

In other transfer news, Arsenal’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, has convened a meeting to explore the acquisition of Nico Williams, just days after commencing his role in north London.

Williams has been on Arsenal’s radar for two years, and the club made an attempt to sign the dynamic Spanish international last summer. However, negotiations stalled as Williams opted to remain with Athletic Bilbao for an additional season.

While Bayern Munich and Barcelona are also interested, Arsenal appears to be in the lead and is prepared to activate Williams’ €58 million release clause.

Berta is particularly instrumental in Arsenal’s commitment to securing a deal for Williams.

In addition, the Guardian has reiterated various reports concerning the potential signing of Martin Zubimendi.

The Daily Mail reported back in January that an Arsenal move for the Real Sociedad midfielder was “virtually complete.”

Although there have been rumors of Real Madrid attempting to intervene, the reliable David Ornstein recently mentioned that he has not heard any credible information to support that claim.

“Without intending to undermine other reports, I personally haven’t encountered any evidence suggesting that Real Madrid could sign Zubimendi,” Ornstein stated during a Q&A session.

Arsenal anticipates the arrival of Zubimendi from Real Sociedad this summer. While it’s unclear if the deal is finalized, the club has been operating under the assumption that he will be joining them.

According to The Guardian, Arsenal is likely to secure Zubimendi by activating his €60 million release clause.

In total, acquiring Zubimendi (€60 million), Williams (€58 million), and Gyokeres (approximately €60 million) would amount to a total expenditure of €178 million for Arsenal.

In other developments, TEAMtalk has learned that Arsenal is actively scouting Yeremay Hernandez, a winger from Deportivo La Coruna.

Sources have indicated to TEAMtalk that scouts have been dispatched to observe Hernandez during his performances for Deportivo this season.

The 22-year-old was part of Real Madrid’s youth system from 2015 to 2017 before transferring to Deportivo.

After progressing through the ranks at the Galician club, he made his first-team debut in December 2021 and is now integrated into the senior squad.

This season, Hernandez has primarily played as a left-winger for Deportivo, netting 11 goals and providing four assists in LaLiga 2.

TEAMtalk reports that despite Deportivo competing in Spain’s Segunda Division, they are seeking £30 million for the winger.

It is believed that pursuing the Deportivo player would not hinder the signing of Williams, as both could potentially join the club, with Hernandez seen as a long-term investment.