With the club targeting a centre-forward to lead the line next season, Berta sees Gyökeres as the most realistic and effective solution available.
Rather than potentially waste time on targets that may not be attainable (like Alexander Isak), Berta seems keen to kick on with a move for Gyokeres, allowing more time to complete other summer business in what is expected to be an extremely busy few months for the club.
Berta previously attempted to sign the Sweden international during his time at Atlético Madrid and now sees an opportunity to finally land his man at Arsenal. The striker, who turns 27 next month, has been in explosive form for Sporting CP, scoring freely in both domestic and European competitions, and his blend of power, finishing, and pressing fits the profile of striker Mikel Arteta is believed to want.
While Isak remains admired and is reportedly at the top of Arteta’s wishlist and open to the move, Gyökeres has moved ahead of other options on Berta’s internal shortlist due to his availability and price point. Newcastle United are likely to demand around £100million for Isak, whereas Gyökeres could be signed for nearly half that figure, despite his phenomenal output this season.
The Swede has already been widely discussed among Arsenal fans and analysts. A recent Fresh Arsenal analysis found that Gyökeres and Isak stand out as the two most statistically suited striker options for the club. His combination of strength, movement, and finishing has seen him labelled as perhaps the best finisher in the world right now.
With Gabriel Jesus struggling for fitness and Eddie Nketiah expected to leave, the Gunners are in urgent need of a clinical and physically dominant No.9 to compete at the top level. As Berta starts to put his stamp on Arsenal’s transfer strategy, Gyökeres appears to be the leading candidate to spearhead the next phase of Arteta’s project.
Follow the latest Arsenal transfer news on Fresh Arsenal for updates as the summer window unfolds.