Arsenal 'ramp up' striker pursuit with £87m goal machine 'targeted' amid Gabriel Jesus concern

Arsenal remain interested in activating Sporting Lisbon forward Viktor Gyokeres’ £87million release clause.

Whether the Gunners need a more ruthless goalscorer has dominated the debate at the Emirates this season. While Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah are rated, fans have questioned whether they are the men to drag Arsenal to a Premier League title.

Jesus has bagged four league goals in 2023-24, with Nketiah netting five. By contrast, Manchester City have Erling Haaland (17) and Liverpool boast Mohamed Salah (15) within their ranks.

An elite bagsman could prove the difference between ending Arsenal’s 20-year title drought and finishing the campaign empty-handed. LondonWorld revealed in December that Mikel Arteta was pursuing a move for Lisbon striker Gyokeres.

The Swede has scored a staggering 30 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions. He only arrived in Portugal last summer for around £20million having impressed in the Championship with Coventry City.

That also provides a risk, with Gyokeres yet to be tested in one of Europe’s top five leagues. Arsenal must stump up a hefty £87million fee - his release clause - to prise him from the Estadio Jose Alvalade this summer.

Reports have suggested Liverpool and Chelsea are considering a move as they aim to bolster their attacking options. Fresh claims from the Daily Mail have suggested the Gunners will ramp up efforts to sign a striker due to Jesus’ continuing knee problems.

Jesus has not played since January 30 but was an unused substitute in the 4-1 win over Newcastle United. The piece names Gyokeres as well as Ivan Toney, Victor Osimhen and Joshua Zirkzee as potential targets.