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20 March 2025

Arsenal And Nottingham Forest Eye Striker Viktor Gyokeres

Multiple clubs target top striker as summer transfer window approaches, with potential bidding wars brewing.

In the bustling world of football, the summer transfer window is set to be a hotbed of activity, especially for Premier League giants Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester United. As these clubs eye potential striker acquisitions, fans are buzzing with excitement over the possibilities of new talent joining their respective squads.<\/p>

Arsenal is placing a significant emphasis on acquiring a new center-forward who can bolster their chances of becoming title winners. With the 2025 summer transfer window on the horizon, the club has generated considerable interest in three prominent strikers: Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko, and Viktor Gyokeres. Each of these players presents different advantages, along with financial implications that the club must consider.

Starting with Alexander Isak, the Swedish international has enjoyed a stellar season, netting 23 goals and providing five assists in just 33 matches, helping him secure a League Cup winner's medal after scoring the decisive goal against Liverpool. Currently at Newcastle, Isak's asking price is rumored to be around £130 million. While his Premier League experience makes him an attractive option, Isak comes with the risk of a hefty transfer fee and an unfortunate history of injuries, raising questions about his long-term viability for Arsenal. As one pundit put it, given Arsenal's recent financial health, "the club has room for some major investments, but this would still eat into the majority of it and potentially affect the ability to spend elsewhere."

On the other hand, 21-year-old Benjamin Sesko presents a younger, more budget-friendly alternative. With 17 goals and six assists in 36 games for RB Leipzig, Sesko has already madea name for himself in the Bundesliga. His effective performances against teams like Bayern Munich and Juventus demonstrate his capacity to perform under pressure, adding to his appeal. Priced at around £66 million, investing in Sesko allows Arsenal to allocate resources across other squad areas, such as wide players or midfielders.

Finally, there's Viktor Gyokeres, another Swedish international, whose statistics have sparked intense interest. This season, Gyokeres has scored an astounding 40 goals and provided ten assists in 41 matches following a remarkable tally of 43 goals and 15 assists in the previous season. Although he carries a hefty €100 million (£84 million) release clause, Gyokeres is the oldest of the three at 26. His performance against weaker opponents in Liga Portugal begs the question of whether he can replicate his scoring prowess in the Premier League.

As Arsenal weighs its options, reports emerged on March 19, 2025, of Nottingham Forest's interest in Gyokeres. The ambitious club has reached out to his representatives, aiming to position themselves as significant contenders for the talented striker. With a record of 28 goals in 25 matches in Liga Portugal this season, Gyokeres is not only a prolific scorer but is expected to command a transfer fee around €58 million if a deal materializes. Forest sees Gyokeres as the ideal successor to Chris Wood, who has been crucial in their quest for a strong Premier League campaign, having scored 18 goals this season.

Nottingham Forest’s owner Evangelos Marinakis, alongside manager Nuno Espírito Santo, aims to secure Gyokeres as a centerpiece of their squad, an ambition that could steer the club back towards Champions League qualification. With their sights set high, discussions to bring Gyokeres to the City Ground have intensified. However, competition is fierce; Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United have all demonstrated interest in the striker.

Manchester United is also actively assessing potential signings for the summer transfer window to increase their attacking options. As their scoring woes this season have been glaringly apparent—Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee managing only six goals combined in the Premier League—United is eager for a change. Reports indicate that they have shortlisted Gyokeres, Sesko, Victor Osimhen, and Hugo Ekitike, with Gyokeres once again a central figure on this list.

The Red Devils hope to leverage their relationship with Gyokeres and potentially negotiate a lower fee than the expected £83 million release clause. Regardless, the mounting interest in the striker reflects his impressive form, particularly his 28 goals in 25 league matches this season.

In summary, as Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester United prepare for the summer transfer window, Viktor Gyokeres emerges as a highly sought-after prospect among leading clubs. Both Arsenal and Forest are contemplating major moves, while Manchester United looks to revitalize their front line with key additions. The decisions made in the upcoming weeks could drastically alter the competitive landscape of the Premier League.