rewrite this title Arsenal face disappointment in Gyokores chase as major rival emerges

Arsenal’s pursuit of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokores could be hijacked by Atletico Madrid.

The Sweden international is known to be on Arsenal’s summer wishlist as the Gunners look to finally sign a recognised number nine that boss Mikel Arteta hopes will take them from nearlymen to trophy winners.

Gyokores scored 49 goals in all competitions for Sporting in the recently-completed season and is ready to take the next step in his career.

But that does not necessarily mean he is bound for North London with Atletico emerging as serious contenders for his signature.

Portuguese sports daily Record reports Atleti have made the 26-year-old a prime target with the Rojiblancos hoping to pair Gyokores with Argentina star Julian Alvarez.

Diego Simeone’s side have seen their financial coffers restocked by the extension of a lucrative deal with Nike as well as the guaranteed income from qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

Arsenal could turn to other targets

Missing out on Gyokores would represent a major blow for Arsenal.

Their hopes of silverware last season were derailed when both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz sustained long-term injuries that kept them out for the bulk of the run-in.

Arteta had to shuffle his squad with the likes of Leandro Trossard and Mikel Merino occupying the number nine role despite it not being their natural position.

Should Gyokores go elsewhere then it is likely Arsenal will train their focus on the likes of Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Sesko.