Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal are leaning towards signing 36-goal striker over Osimhen

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Arsenal are leaning towards signing Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres over Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen.

It is no news that the North London side want to bolster their attack in the summer with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah failing to impress consistently and have been linked with Osimhen.

The Nigeria international will most likely depart Napoli this summer and will cost not less than €130m, which is the release clause stated in his contract.

This implies that Mikel Arteta's side will need to surpass €116.m paid for Declan Rice last summer if they are to beat other suitors, mainly PSG and Chelsea to the signing of the star striker.

Due to the financial implications involved in the transfer of the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Boot winner, Arsenal are exploring other options which have led them to  Gyökeres who has been sensational for Sporting this season.

Speaking in his Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside, Romano explains why the Gunners are now leaning towards signing the Swedish international over his Nigerian counterpart.

"I've had some fans asking me about reports in Italy suggesting that Arsenal have cooled their interest in Victor Osimhen because he could be too expensive, or that they are concerned about entering into difficult and lengthy negotiations with Napoli," Romano said.

"Osimhen has always been appreciated, but many clubs are cautious now waiting to understand the salary/commission package, as there's already a very expensive release clause to take into consideration.

"This is why Arsenal are looking at other strikers, including Viktor Gyokeres who remains on their shortlist."

Gyökeres has scored 36 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions this season for Sporting CP.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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