Arsenal have reportedly halted their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres, despite the striker preferring a move to the Emirates over Manchester United.
See Also: Four-Time Chelsea Title Winner Retires At 31 Due To Injury
The Gunners were determined to strengthen their attack, with Mikel Arteta promising a major summer window focused on improving squad depth and quality.
Gyokeres had emerged as Arsenal’s top target after an explosive season at Sporting, but Sporting’s high price tag is stalling progress.
The Portuguese club reportedly rejected an initial €55m bid, plus €10m in add-ons, leading Arsenal to reconsider their strategy moving forward.
Despite Gyokeres snubbing United due to their lack of Champions League football, Arsenal are now cooling their interest in the 27-year-old striker.
Instead, the club have turned their attention back to Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, a player long linked with a move to North London, reports Daily Star.
Watkins, an Arsenal fan since childhood, previously admitted his dream was to play for the Gunners, calling Thierry Henry his idol.
Villa retained him in January, opting instead to sell Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr, but financial pressure may reopen transfer talks this summer.
Arteta’s focus remains on signing a forward with proven Premier League ability, and Watkins fits both the profile and emotional connection perfectly.
COMMENTS