Arsenal handed major boost in pursuit of 'fantastic' player Mikel Arteta is desperate to sign

Arsenal have reportedly been handed a major boost in their transfer plans.

Heading into the 24/25 season, the Gunners will again look to challenge the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.

With the summer transfer window in full swing, Arsenal are said to be closing in on a deal to bring in Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Serie A side Bologna.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano wrote on social media: “Arsenal have just scheduled new plan for Riccardo Calafiori. Understand first part of medical will take place in London with player due to travel soon.

“Final check in the US and then Calafiori will sign five year deal as new #AFC player. Here we go, confirmed.”

With Calafiori set to sign, Arsenal could now be handed a boost in their bid to sign a centre-forward.

It has been widely reported that the Gunners are interested in Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres.

It was also claimed that Atletico Madrid were keeping tabs on the Swedish international.

However, on Thursday morning, it was revealed that Atletico have agreed a deal with Girona to sign striker Artem Dovbyk.

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As a result, it is likely that their interest in Gyokeres will cool, leaving Arsenal with one less competition to sign the 26-year-old.

Back in March, Portugal manager Roberto Martinez was full of praise for Gyokeres.

He said: “For me, he was one of the best signings in the entire European market last summer. And it is fantastic for him to be playing in Portuguese football.”

Gyokeres was also asked about his future, he said: “It’s a sign that I’ve been performing well, but it’s not something I take too seriously.

“It’s just speculation, but it’s good and fun to talk about. We’ll see what happens in the summer, I don’t know what will happen. But I really like Sporting and I don’t feel stressed at all for what’s to come.”