Credit: X/@Arsenal

Mikel Arteta Changes His ‘No Striker Needed’ Stance as Arsenal Plan Talks with Viktor Gyokeres’ Agent

It seems Mikel Arteta has finally accepted that signing a high-quality striker is a must in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Credit: X/@Arsenal

Arsenal may still be in the Premier League title race on paper, but realistically, their hopes are hanging by a thread. Sitting 12 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool with just nine games remaining, the Gunners face an uphill battle to close the gap. One of the main reasons for Arsenal falling behind in the title race is their failure to fix a clear problem – the lack of a proper striker.

Injuries to key players like Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli have been unfortunate. Their absence has left the Gunners without a recognised central forward as the club continues its push in both Champions League and Premier League. But even before those injuries, it was clear that Arsenal needed a striker up front.

The Gunners failed to address that problem even in the January transfer window. But now manager Mikel Arteta, who had previously suggested that the club did not necessarily need to bring in a new No. 9, has finally accepted that signing a high-quality striker is a must.

Arsenal Schedule Meeting With Viktor Gyokeres’ Agent

As a result, Arsenal have now stepped up their pursuit of a striker in the upcoming summer transfer window. Arsenal have idetified Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres as a suitable candidate. The 26-year-old has had a sensational season with Sporting CP, netting an astonishing 40 goals in just 41 appearances across all competitions. His explosive form has not only boosted Sporting’s title hopes but has also drawn interest from several top clubs across Europe.

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According to reports, the Gunners have already scheduled a meeting with Gyokeres’ agent, a close associate of Arteta, which gives them a distinct advantage in the race to sign the striker. Gyokeres has been in sensational form for Sporting and has caught the eye of several top European clubs with his explosive performances in front of goal.

🚨 Arsenal have scheduled a formal meeting with Viktor Gyokeres' agent, who is a close friend of Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners believe this will give them the edge in the race for the Sporting striker's signature.

(Source: Correio da Manha) pic.twitter.com/0nrIqh6NJd
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 26, 2025

Gyokeres is understood to have a release clause of €100 million (£83.6 million) in his contract with the Portuguese club. However, reports from Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg have revealed that there is a verbal agreement in place between Sporting and the player that would allow him to depart for a significantly reduced fee, in the range of €60–70 million (£50.2m–£58.5m) in the upcoming transfer window.

⤵️✔️ As exclusively revealed in October, Viktor #Gyökeres can leave Sporting for €60-70m in summer. As there’s a verbal agreement between Gyökeres and the club.

The current and clear trend: Gyökeres will not join Forest. 🇸🇪 https://t.co/AQghyu03Dj
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) March 24, 2025

Gyokeres has also been linked with a move to Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest. However, those reports have now been firmly dismissed by sources close to the player. With Forest out of the picture, the Gunners will have one less competitor in the pursuit of the Swedish striker.

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta

Premier League

Viktor Gyokeres

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.