Arsenal have reportedly developed a strong interest in Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United.
Mikel Arteta's side play Fulham on Tuesday in the Premier League, and though the potential return of Bukayo Saka could help boost the Londoners' offensive output, it would not be surprising if the club looked to strengthen their forward line in the summer transfer window.
Nominal striker Kai Havertz has often been criticised for his performances up front by fans and pundits, with many suggesting that the likes of Newcastle United forward Isak would be a better fit for the Gunners.
However, the Magpies forward will likely prove to be prohibitively expensive considering the Toon may demand in excess of £100m for his signature.
Arteta may be forced to look elsewhere, and The Athletic claim that Sporting Lisbon striker Gyokeres has emerged as a leading candidate to come to the Emirates in place of Isak.
© Imago
Isak or Gyokeres?
Gyokeres already has experience of English football having played for Coventry City and Swansea City in the Championship for three seasons.
The Championship is renowned for its physicality, and the fact the Swede managed to score 21 goals and provide 10 assists in 2022-23 in his final season in the division bodes well when assessing his ability to adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League.
At Sporting Lisbon, the 26-year-old has scored 59 times and registered 16 assists in 59 Portuguese top-flight games, and he also scored six goals in this season's Champions League.
The forward would reportedly cost significantly less than £100m, and he perhaps represents a much more realistic option, especially if Arsenal have ambitions of signing players such as Matheus Cunha as well.
Isak has scored 19 goals for Newcastle this term in the Premier League, and has proven his ability as a finisher with the Magpies just as much as Gyokeres has at Sporting.
However, the Newcastle striker is a much more subtle player and is far more comfortable linking play with teammates in smaller pockets of space.
Gyokeres can be described as a traditional number nine and has qualities of his own, so signing either forward would undoubtedly raise Arsenal's level.
Lewis Nolan
