🚨🚨ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: PERFECT GABRIEL JESUS REPLACEMENT; Viktor Gyokeres has already sent Arsenal clear summer plan amid late transfer hunt

Sporting Lisbon’s prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres has emerged as a late target for Arsenal ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline day

Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP performs his ‘mask’

Arsenal are entering into the final stages of the transfer window without making a signing that many had expected from them by this point of the summer.

At the beginning of the summer there was an acceptance that Mikel Arteta’s men would look to add a striker to their team who as well as providing goals, also had a physical presence at the top of the pitch. While the Gunners’ boss will be adamant that his team are not copying Manchester City, it may be difficult not to take inspiration from a side who have been incredibly dominant since Erling Haaland joined their club.

As the summer continued, the Gunners have looked at other areas for strengthening. Mikel Merino is as good as signed while Riccardo Calafiori has bolstered the defence.

However, to date, the North London club have not managed to add to their strikeforce. Eddie Nketiah’s proposed move to Nottingham Forest was ended over the weekend with Crystal Palace now looking a more likely destination which frees a position in the team for a new striker.

Viktor Gyokeres ticks a lot of boxes after the incredible 12 months he has had. After the Swede left Coventry City for Sporting Lisbon, few would have imagined the impressive stats he would be able to rake in.

In his debut campaign, he bagged 43 goals for Sporting and was quick to prove this was not a fluke this season, he has already managed to six goals in four appearances in all competitions. Suddenly, his £86m release clause looks a lot more tempting to a club that needs a striker and has not spent huge amounts this summer.