Arsenal are feeling the pinch of not having signed a striker this season. However, they are determined to rectify this in the summer transfer window. With Andrea Berta, the new chief, spearheading transfer activities, the Gunners believe they are in a strong position to secure their primary target.
Sporting`s Plan for Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres is widely expected to leave Sporting Lisbon this summer, with both Arsenal and Manchester United closely monitoring his situation.
The 26-year-old Swedish forward considered a move in the previous transfer windows, but a mutual understanding with Sporting led him to stay and concentrate on helping them secure the league title this season amidst a tight race with Benfica.
In appreciation for his commitment, Sporting are reportedly prepared to let Gyokeres, who has impressively scored 43 goals in 43 matches across all competitions this season, depart for a fee less than his £85 million release clause.
Sporting hopes to receive between £55 million and £70 million, a substantial amount considering their financial reports showed a net transfer deficit of approximately £15 million for the 24/25 season.
However, due to Sporting`s intense battle for the title – they are currently level on points with Benfica with seven games remaining – the club has not yet identified a primary replacement for Gyokeres.
Historically, they have successfully scouted the Brazilian market for affordable talents who could be sold for significant profits. However, this time, fans anticipate a near-identical replacement to maintain their competitiveness in the Champions League.
This implies a significant financial investment is expected. This will be challenging as many top European teams, especially in the Premier League, are also seeking a No.9 striker.
Consequently, Sporting is expected to be tough negotiators in any summer deals, making them open to initiating a high-stakes bidding war, potentially involving Saudi Arabian clubs.
Al Qadsiah FC, a Saudi Pro League team where Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang currently plays, is reportedly ready to compete for Gyokeres’ signature.
Sporting prefers a substantial upfront payment rather than installments, which Al Qadsiah could offer, potentially exceeding Gyokeres’ current market value.
This development is unfavorable for Arsenal and Man Utd, who aimed for an uncontested pursuit of Gyokeres and might now have to increase their initial offers.
Both Premier League clubs are confident they are well-placed to persuade the Swedish star.
Gyokeres is understood to be leaning towards Arsenal, attracted by their current Premier League title contention, Champions League participation, and Mikel Arteta’s reputation for enhancing players in a competitive league.
Arsenal`s new sporting director, Berta, is also a strong admirer of the player. Securing a major signing quickly is expected to be Berta’s first priority to prove his value to the Arsenal management and supporters.
However, Gyokeres retains affection for Ruben Amorim, his former coach at Sporting, and might be swayed even if United endures a poor season.
Nevertheless, the substantial financial offers from Saudi clubs mean Arsenal and United should be cautious about focusing solely on Gyokeres.
Berta`s Arrival and Other Candidates
Arsenal are convinced that Berta is a crucial addition to their ambition for major trophies.
The 53-year-old commenced his role in North London on Monday as the club’s new sporting director. He met with reporters before Arteta’s midweek press conference at London Colney.
Berta is known for his quiet demeanor, but his reputation as a skilled negotiator is well-established after a 12-year tenure at Atletico Madrid. Arteta recently commented on Berta`s “personality, charisma, and drive to win” which he believes will be “very contagious.”
Whether it’s Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, Leroy Sane, or Nico Williams, an exciting summer is anticipated for Arsenal with Berta involved.
Regarding other candidates for the sporting director role, Arsenal had considered several after Edu’s departure in November. One notable candidate was Simon Rofles, Bayer Leverkusen’s managing director of sport.
The former German international was highly regarded by Arsenal`s board. He played a significant role in building the Leverkusen squad that, under Xabi Alonso, ended Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga dominance and secured their first-ever league title last season.
However, Rofles, 43, who previously served as an academy coach and sporting director at Leverkusen before his current role in July 2022, had no intention of leaving Germany.
Sources indicate Rofles is content at Leverkusen and pleased with the progress under Alonso, both domestically and in European competitions.
He intends to fulfill his contract, which extends until June 2028.
Ticket Touting Concerns
The Emirates Stadium is preparing for a major event, hosting Real Madrid in a highly anticipated Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday, marking one of its biggest nights since opening in 2006.
This event brings security challenges, particularly with unprecedented ticket demand, escalating the risk of ticket touting and unauthorized online sales.
Arsenal`s response has been to strictly clamp down on ticket touting, especially for the Real Madrid game, with threats of fines, bans, and potential police involvement.
This season, Arsenal has already deactivated over 31,000 accounts, including 27,603 memberships, for attempting to acquire tickets improperly.
An Arsenal season ticket holder, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed excitement for the match but also concern about potential delays caused by ticket touts and fake tickets, which could prevent regular fans from reaching their seats before kickoff.
However, the club is confident that these issues will be managed effectively on Tuesday night, citing a million-pound investment in addressing these problems. The shift to digital ticketing aids in early detection of suspicious activities.
As with every matchday at the Emirates, undercover operatives will be present inside and around the stadium to prevent in-person ticket touting.
Kai Havertz`s Early Football Days
An Arsenal star`s initial passion for football began with using garden gnomes for target practice.
Kai Havertz, born in Aachen, Germany, near the Dutch and Belgian borders, spent his childhood practicing football in his garden with his grandfather.
He would arrange garden gnomes against a wall and practice his accuracy by trying to knock them down one by one with a ball, continuing until all were toppled.
Nearly two decades later, this early practice has proven fruitful. Since joining Arsenal in July 2023, Havertz has exceeded expectations, scoring 29 goals in 85 appearances across all competitions.
While recovering from hamstring surgery that will sideline him until next season, perhaps he might revisit his `gnome-ball` training.
