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Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres leads six-man summer transfer shortlist for Arsenal - Paper Round
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Updated 17/05/2025 at 10:46 GMT+1
Arsenal have six strikers on their shortlist for the summer, including Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres, but they may face stiff competition from Chelsea for the Swedish forward. Elsewhere, Liverpool look to have secured the signing of Florian Wirtz, and Leeds United may sign Callum Wilson on a free transfer from Newcastle.
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Arsenal draw up striker shortlist
Arsenal's sporting director Andrea Berta has drawn up his shortlist for strikers in the summer, and Alexander Isak is no longer the most likely target.
Instead, Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres could be a more affordable option for The Gunners.
The Athletic explains: "At one stage, the club hoped Newcastle United failing to qualify for the Champions League could open up a run at Alexander Isak. But Eddie Howe’s team are now third and can leapfrog Arsenal with a win at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The slim prospect of landing Arteta’s preferred candidate for the centre-forward role seems more remote than ever.
"Viktor Gyokeres remains firmly in the frame. [Andrea] Berta is a huge admirer of the 26-year-old Sweden international, and has explored a potential deal.
"Benjamin Sesko remains a strong candidate. Arsenal have monitored the 21-year-old’s progress since he was a teenager. Leipzig now cannot qualify for next season’s Champions League - another factor which could precipitate Sesko’s departure.
"There are other names Arsenal are across. Berta remains informed on Ollie Watkins’ situation. Arteta is a fan of the player - Arsenal explored a deal in January - but the club have concerns over paying a fee in excess of £40 million for a player who turns 30 in December. There is admiration for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike. Brighton’s versatile forward Joao Pedro is another whose qualities have been discussed."
Chelsea also want Gyokeres
One wrinkle to Arsenal’s hopes of landing Gyokeres this summer is that Chelsea also hold an interest in the player.
However, he is not the only striker under consideration, according to the Evening Standard, as Liam Delap could be their first choice.
The Evening Standard reports: "Enzo Maresca has confirmed he wants fresh competition for Nicolas Jackson next season, as Chelsea plot their summer move for a new striker.
"Chelsea’s desire to bring in a centre-forward has been known for some time and in recent weeks they have been linked with Ipswich’s Liam Delap - who has a £30m release clause - as well as Viktor Gyorkeres of Sporting and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig.
"The Blues tried to sign a striker last summer, but failed to agree terms with their No. 1 target, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, while Brentford’s Ivan Toney - another player the club were interested in - moved to Saudi Arabia."
Frimpong looks to pick Liverpool shirt number
With Trent Alexander-Arnold set for Real Madrid, Liverpool look to have already secured a replacement in Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong.
The defender could be joined by his team-mate Florian Wirtz, also linked by the Mirror with a move to Anfield.
The paper writes: "Jeremie Frimpong could face a tricky decision once he arrives at Liverpool. The Reds look set to make a move for the Dutchman having decided to activate a release clause written into his contract with Bayer Leverkusen.
"Once the formalities of the deal have been completed, Frimpong will then have to pick the shirt number he wants to don as a Red. The most obvious selection would be the No. 30 shirt.
"The last occupant of Liverpool’s No. 30 shirt was Spanish wideman Suso. He was given the shirt upon his initial breakthrough into the first team but he made a total of just 21 appearances for the club, scoring once, before leaving permanently for AC Milan in 2014.
"Frimpong could potentially be joined by one of his current team-mates at Anfield should he move this summer. Liverpool also have an interest in playmaker Florian Wirtz, as do Premier League rivals Manchester City who see him as a potential replacement for Kevin De Bruyne."
Leeds want Newcastle forward Wilson
With Callum Wilson approaching the end of his contract with Newcastle United, he is wanted by Premier League newcomers Leeds United.
They hope to land the experienced 33-year-old as they look to improve their squad ahead of their return to the top flight.
The Sun claims: "Leeds are targeting Newcastle striker Callum Wilson.
"Elland Road boss Daniel Farke is desperate for more firepower after promotion from the Championship.
"And Newcastle forward Wilson is out of contract at the end of the season so is available to Leeds on a free transfer.
"The 33-year-old was a £20m arrival from Bournemouth five years ago.
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