Arsenal’s search for a new striker continues, having been rejected by RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko in recent days.
Sesko elected to remain at Leipzig to continue his development, and Mikel Arteta will now have to think of a different way to strengthen his attack.
The form of Kai Havertz has meant that the need for a new number nine is no longer urgent, but with Eddie Nketiah potentially set to depart, replacing him with a top-quality striker could be significant in the title race.
Viktor Gyokeres has been touted as an option, but it has now been reported that two other Sporting Club De Portugal players could be set for huge moves to reduce their own need to sell their star striker.
Sporting may not let Gyokeres leave for below his release clause, and Arsenal may have to go to battle to land the Swedish attacker.
Sporting would sell Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande before they sold Arsenal target Viktor Gyokeres
A report has now revealed that despite Sporting needing to sell, and Gyokeres possessing an £86m release clause, Ousmane Diomande and Goncalo Inacio are more likely to be sold than the Sweden star.
Both defenders have been on Arteta’s radar for a while, but it remains unclear if there is still any interest. Inacio has been named in the Portugal squad, and both players would bring quality to any squad.
Arsenal seemingly want Gyokeres for around £60m, but if Sporting can sell one of their starlets for a similar price, it would mean that they are no longer under obligation to lose their star player.
Arsenal deals for Ousmane Diomande and Goncalo Inacio should not be priority
Although both defenders would offer a lot to Mikel Arteta if they were to join, Arsenal should not be tempted to sign either player when they are not a priority.
Arsenal have several players who can cover at centre-back, and spending heavily on just one position would be counterproductive compared to other areas.
Should Diomande or Inacio join, they would be behind Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba in the pecking order, and unless they offer elite levels of versatility, they are unlikely to see much game time.