Arsenal transfer news: Mikel Arteta 'gives thumbs-up' to Gunners move for £83m Sporting Lisbon star

The Gunners are targeting the acquisition of attacking reinforcements before the February 3 deadline, with the English giants also linked to Benjamin Sesko of German outfit RB Leipzig.

It appears as if Arsenal are in desperate need of new impetus in forward areas, despite the enjoyment of a North London derby success over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.

Former Coventry City man Gyokeres would certainly provide that in North London, with the towering Swede bagging 21 goals across 17 Primeira Liga appearances so far this term.

The 26-year-old has also impressed on the continental scene against respectable opposition, scoring a hat-trick during the Champions League victory over Manchester City in early November.

Arsenal boss Arteta 'gives thumbs-up' to Gyokeres swoop

According to French publication L'Equipe, Arsenal are preparing to make a high-profile move during the January transfer window in order to address their attacking issues.

The report states that Gunners boss Arteta has given the thumbs-up to his employers to begin a formal push for the services of Sporting star Gyokeres.

Making the switch from Coventry to Lisbon in 2023, it is understood that the Swede has an £83m release clause in his current deal at Estadio Jose Alvalade.

It is believed that the North Londoners are 'no longer reluctant' to trigger that stipulation, with the Gunners now open to activating the clause.

As well as Gyokeres, title-chasing Arsenal are supposedly also considering moves for Alexander Isak of Newcastle United and Lille marksman Jonathan David.

Can Gyokeres end Arsenal's attacking woes?

Whilst Declan Rice claimed that his side could have scored 10 during the clash with Spurs on Wednesday, a lack of ruthlessness in front of net led to Arsenal crawling to a narrow success in the end.

The performances of Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling were firmly under the spotlight following the full-time whistle at the Emirates, where the Gunners had once again failed to impress from an attacking sense.

It is not questionable to say that Arteta's men are in desperate need of offensive reinforcements, especially considering their mounting injury problems.

Bukayo Saka - who has carried Arsenal's attack on his back at points this term - is currently sidelined with a hamstring issue, whilst Gabriel Jesus is set to miss the remainder of the campaign because of a serious knee injury.

Written by

Carter White