Arsenal handed Viktor Gyokeres update as transfer offer REJECTED

Arsenal have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres following news that Real Madrid have rejected the chance to sign the Sporting CP forward this summer.

Gyokeres, 27, is being pursued by a plethora of top clubs across world football after a sensational two-year spell in Portugal and Arsenal are currently believed to be the frontrunners for his signature.

The Gunners have been monitoring his form for the best part of 18 months and they are eager to finalise a deal with Sporting CP ahead of the 2025-26 campaign amid Mikel Arteta’s desire to bring a new centre forward to the Emirates Stadium.

However, FootballTransfers understands that Gyokeres’ representatives are currently furious at Sporting following their latest price hike, with the Portuguese giants now demanding a fee close to his €100 million release clause.

As a result, we have been informed that RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is now the most likely candidate to become Arsenal’s new striker this summer.

Although the Gunners are set to lodge a formal bid for Sesko this week, their hopes of landing Gyokeres have now been boosted as Real Madrid have decided against signing the Sweden international.

Real Madrid reject Viktor Gyokeres transfer

Real Madrid were reportedly offered the chance to sign Gyokeres this summer, however they turned down this opportunity due to his price tag and the fact he is seen as a starting striker.

That is according to The Athletic, who state that Xabi Alonso’s side are aiming to sign a new centre forward who is available for a “low fee” and is willing to accept a “secondary role” – akin to Joselu during the 2023-24 campaign.

Kylian Mbappe is expected to retain his place as Real Madrid’s first-choice striker next season, despite the fact he is arguably better suited to playing as a left winger, and the club are eager to land a player who is capable of supplementing the Frenchman.

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