With Viktor Gyokeres reportedly poised to sign with Arsenal in the near future, here are five strikers that have cost the Gunners the most in their history.
The Swedish marksman has been earmarked by the London-based side as the man to get them over the line ahead of the new season, after they fell short of winning any trophies last campaign. The Stockholm native scored 54 goals and provided 13 assists for Sporting CP last season, and now he is set to make a lucrative move — which could rise up to €73.5 million (R1.5 billion) - to the Emirates Stadium.
The move would make him the most expensive striker in the club’s history, surpassing former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabonese international joined the north Londoners at the start of 2018, during Arsene Wenger’s final season, for €63.7 million (R1.3 billion) and went on to be prolific for the club, even winning the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2018/19 season.
He struck up a strong partnership with France international Alexandre Lacazette, who is currently the second most expensive striker in the club’s history after Arsenal paid €53 million (R1 billion) to Olympique Lyon in 2017. Lacazette scored 71 goals and provided 35 assists in his 206 appearances, and shared a strong on- and off-field relationship with Aubameyang.
They would eventually make way for one of the club’s current forwards, Gabriel Jesus. Ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, Arsenal signed the Brazilian from Manchester City for €52.2 million (R1 billion) , and he immediately spearheaded Mikel Arteta’s attack as the club emerged as genuine Premier League title contenders.
However, since that season, the Gunners have failed to end their two-decade-long wait for a league championship — but they’ll be hoping that the acquisition of Gyokeres will finally change that.
