Mikel Arteta has laid out a deadline for Arsenal to sign the new striker their supporters are craving.
The Gunners are intent on signing a new centre forward this summer having kept their powder dry in the January transfer window.
Having lost Gabriel Jesus to injury, Arteta was expected to sign a new No.9 but after spurning the opportunity to sign Ollie Watkins, Arsenal opted to rely solely on Kai Havertz.
That decision almost immediately backfired when the Germany international tore his hamstring during a warm weather training camp and only returned to action in the penultimate game of the campaign.
It was anticipated that Arsenal would address their lack of firepower as a priority once the window reopened but with just six weeks until the start of the new season they appear no closer to resolving a key issue.
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According to Mail Sport, Arteta wants a new striker in place before the first team squad jets off to Singapore for the start of their pre-season tour on July 19.
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko appeared to be the No.1 target but agreeing a fee with the Bundesliga club has been anything but straightforward.
Sporting Director Andrea Berta has been in regular contact with Sporting Lisbon who are resigned to losing their prolific Sweden international Viktor Gyokeres.
The 27-year-old is keen on a move to north London, and even split up with his long-term girlfriend to help facilitate a transfer, but he is involved in a bitter dispute with the Portuguese club which is complicating any deal.
Arsenal could yet reignite their interest in Watkins who fell out of favour with Unai Emery towards the end of last season, but could face competition from the likes of Manchester United who are keen on the England star.
Expert analysis: Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres is a bunch of different strikers blended into one. He’s a bulldozer, but he’s also got that turn of pace and knack of finding himself in shooting areas. Some strikers, you can see they overthink things, but he’ll shoot first and ask questions later.
At 6ft 2in, he could definitely add an aerial presence to his game to take himself to the next level, but he’s very good at using his chest as a magnet to win these aerial duels.
He may not be as fearless as others when it comes to aerial duels, but he knows how to use his strengths to his advantage to hold up the ball and bring others into play.
He’s not someone like Roberto Firmino who is going to be dropping deep, so if Arsenal need to change certain things to get the best out of Gyokeres then they should.
Zach Lowy, European football expert
While the wait for a new source of goals continues, Arsenal are pressing ahead with their recruitment drive.
The signing of goalkeeper Kepa was confirmed earlier this week and it is anticipated that Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard will be unveiled imminently.
Arsenal are also making progress in their attempts to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace with the midfielder keen on returning to the club who released him when he was just 13.
A new winger is also on the cards, with the likes of Rodrygo, Nico Williams, Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke all on Arsenal’s radar.