Arsenal have paused their pursuit of Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres after frustration over Sporting’s firm stance on his £85m release clause, renewing their long-standing interest in Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins.
The Gunners, who held fresh talks with Gyokeres’ representatives recently, have been rebuffed twice, first with a £55m bid, then with an improved £60m offer.
Despite the Swedish striker reportedly favouring a move to the Emirates over Manchester United, Sporting remain unmoved, prompting Arsenal to reassess.
Portuguese outlet Record reports that Arsenal are now re-exploring the possibility of signing Watkins, who remains on their radar after a failed £80m approach in January.
Villa turned down that offer as Watkins was their only fit centre-forward at the time, following Jhon Duran’s departure.
With budget constraints and no appetite for drawn-out negotiations, Arsenal are also eyeing RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who presents a lower-cost alternative, if they can fend off competition from Bayern Munich and Al-Hilal.
