Arsenal ignore Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney as 'number one' striker target revealed

Viktor Gyokeres has been identified as Arsenal’s number one transfer target this summer, according to reports.

The Swedish international has bagged a sensational 33 goals in 37 games since joining Sporting Lisbon from Coventry City last summer. Signed for around £25million, the Portuguese outfit could look to almost quadruple that return should he move on after 12 months.

Lisbon inserted an £87million release clause upon arrival - the fee Arsenal would need to stump up. Speculation was rife ahead of the January transfer window but Gyokeres insisted he planned on staying put.

"I think it’s a bit like when Sporting came in to sign me,” the forward said in December. “I’m very happy here and I don’t care about any interested parties at the moment.

“I’m enjoying every day here and not thinking about what’s going on around me. Yes, there’s talk of big clubs but, for now, it’s just news. That’s all."

However, those motives could change come June as Arsenal search for the ideal striker to bolster their frontline. A report from FootballTransfers has claimed Gunners scouts are already watching the 25-year-old ahead of a summer approach.

An impressive 12 assists across all competitions also appeals to Arsenal as they target a player who represents more than just scoring goals. Reports had linked Emirates chiefs with moves for Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen and Brentford’s Ivan Toney.

Both strikers are number nines in the traditional sense and would also require big-money transfer fees. However, Gyokeres is now understood to be the front-runner as Mikel Arteta searches for the final piece of his Arsenal jigsaw.